Peugeot Prepares iOn for British Launch

French manufacturer Renault already started to market its electric car in the UK. Dubbed iOn, the car will be introduced at the end of 2010. According to a company statement, Peugeot has signed letters of intent with a number of companies and local authorities across Europe, for the vehicle to become part of their car-sharing and vehicle fleets.

The iOn electric concept car, jointly developed by Peugeot and Mitsubishi Motor Corporation (MMC) has four doors and four seats, a length of 3.48 m and a turning circle of 4.50 m.

The iOn Zero Emissions vehicle will be equipped with lithium-ion car batteries that are rechargeable in six hours using a conventional 220 V socket or recharged to 80 percent capacity within thirty minutes, thanks to its fast charging system.

The new electric concept cars' operating range is around 130 km, thanks to the its lithium-ion batteries, quite enough for use in an urban environment. The Zero Emissions vehicle will develop a maximum power output of 47 kW (64 bhp) and a maximum torque of 180 Nm, thus enabling it to reach a top speed of 130 km/h.

The car is will also be fitted with several safety and comfort features such as ABS, traction control, ESP and six airbags as well as electric windows, air conditioning and a range of audio equipment. As for the innovative functions featured onboard, the localized communication unit is the highlight. It authorizes data transfer (battery status, distance covered, distance to travel before maintenance is due, etc.) thus providing assistance especially for fleet operators.