The Citroën Friend could double its top speed, but under conditions

If it will still not be able to circulate on the highways, this unbridled variant can however access faster ways, such as the Parisian ring road for example, which is now forbidden to it. It only remains to wait before knowing the date of launching this variation which should undoubtedly allow Citroën to expand its already large customers.

The possible evolution of the Citroën Friend: more speed and autonomy

Citroën Friend has become a real phenomenon. This mini electric car, accessible without a license, would prepare to move up a gear.

If the automotive industry was a novel, then the Citroën Ami would undoubtedly be one of the most original chapters. This small electric car, qualified as a light motor quadricycle, has seduced a large audience thanks to its specificities: no need for a traditional driving license to pilot it, it is accessible from 14 years with the AM license, and also to Those with a motorcycle (A) or AUTO (B) license. It owes its name to its elders, the Citroën Friend 6 and 8, emblematic sedans of the 1960s and 1970s.

Powered by a 6 kW engine (8 hp), this compact vehicle has been able to register in the urban landscape. But the phenomenon is not limited to France. The Stellantis group, a mother house of Citroën, also adapted this concept for its Italian brand Fiat with the Topolino model, more powerful with a 9 kW engine (12 hp), but still bridged at 45 km/h and a range of 75 km. Opel is not to be outdone with rocks-e, its own derivative of the concept.

The challenges of a limited speed

Although the concept is innovative and meets the specific mobility needs in an urban environment, the limitation of speed to 45 km/h can pose problems, especially on the fast ways. According to Argus, A revised and corrected version of the friend would be in preparation, with a more powerful engine, up to 12 kW (16 hp) or even 25 kW (34 hp). Without all-terrain modification, this new version could reach a speed greater than 100 km/h, and would keep a top speed of 80 to 90 km/h once the conversion has been carried out.

But beware, because that would imply a major legal change: the passage in heavy quadricyl, and the need to have the B1 license, accessible from 16 years old.

In parallel with this increase in speed, Autonomy would also be revised upwards with the adoption of a 10 kWh battery, instead of 5.5 kWh currently. This major improvement would reach a range of 140 km, compared to 75 km for the current model. This advance would be comparable to what the movable duo or the Seat Minimo currently offers.

Another potential development in this range is E-Ortme rocks, a prototype that seems to be released from a science fiction film. It includes frame components worthy of a buggy, with increased suspension, wider tracks and all-terrain tires. Its unique look is accentuated by an exoskeleton arch and an imposing rear wing, a real stylistic declaration.

Currently, it is not yet clear if these more powerful versions of the friend, rocks or topolino will be marketed. However, from a technical point of view, nothing seems to oppose it. Especially that this rumor is not new, since Automobile Magazine had received similar information in November 2022.

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The Citroën Friend could double its top speed, but under conditions

Citroën is said to be thinking about unbridling her girlfriend, in order to offer a more efficient version, with a top speed at 80 km/h, more power and more autonomy. But that would imply some modifications.

There are cars that have been as suddenly successful as it is. This is precisely the case of the Citroën Friend. Because nothing intended the small quadricycle launched in 2020 to be a real success, even if on paper, the latter has many advantages.

Its small size, with a length of only 2.41 meters, Its electric motor and above all its price, displayed at only € 6,890 once the ecological bonus is deducted. Result, according to figures published last April, more than 20,000 copies had already been sold since its launch.

A new version

As a reminder, the Citroën Friend is not considered a car proper, because It can be driven from 14 years old and does not require the B license. A similar positioning to the Renault Twizy 45, the Microlino Lite or the Mobilize Duo.

Displaying a power of only 6 kW, the equivalent of about 8 horsepower, The little star of the Chevrons brand is bridled at 45 km/h. This is the maximum speed for vehicles of category L6E, that is to say that of light quadricycles which then do not require a driving license.

Power must be bridled at 6 kW (around 8 hp), as the Legifrance site specifies. For the record, the battery displays a capacity of only 5.5 kWh, allowing the friend to display a range of 75 kilometers according to the WLTP cycle.

If for the moment, the little Citroën met with real success in this configuration, it could however no longer be alone in the range. Journalists of Automobile Magazine indeed heard of a project that is both surprising and very interesting on the part of the brand’s teams.

Internal sources at Citroën, which have remained anonymous, explain that the light quadricycle, which can be driven with the BSR could soon enter the L7E category Just above, heavy quadricycles. Still not a real car therefore, since the power must be restrained at 20 horsepower while the weight should not exceed 600 kilos. This new variant would then be able to reach 80 km/h, Although no information has yet been communicated on its power.

Compulsory b permit

In the event that this new version will see the light of day, It would then require the B or B1 license (from 16 years old) to be conducted. Thus, she would compete with the Renault Twizy 80 but also with the adorable XEV Yoyo, present at the last World Center de l’Auto de Paris in October.

If we do not yet know the technical characteristics of this unbridled future friend, there is no doubt that power would be revised upwards, as well as autonomy. Because who says increased speed also says greater consumption. It is precisely rumored that the teams plan to replace the battery to install one up to the capacity. At the risk then to greatly increase the weight of the machine, currently displayed at 482 kilos empty.

Another aspect which should also evolve upwards: the price. Because this version should undoubtedly be equipped with new driving aids and security elements, like airbags, whose friend is currently devoid of, unlike Twizy.

If it will still not be able to circulate on the highways, this unbridled variant can however access faster ways, such as the Parisian ring road for example, which is now forbidden to it. It only remains to wait before knowing the date of launching this variation which should undoubtedly allow Citroën to expand its already large customers.

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