Citroën CEO Predicts Shift to Sleek, Lightweight EVs in the Post-SUV Era

According to Autocar, Citroën CEO Vincent Cobée envisions a future where electric vehicles (EVs) will dictate a new form factor for cars. Speaking to the publication, he stated that as EVs become more prevalent, incentives for bulky, conventionally shaped SUVs will eventually be reduced, leading manufacturers to design more aerodynamic cars with lower rooflines and lighter bodies.

Cobée explained that while using aluminum instead of steel would lighten the vehicles, it would also increase production costs, making it less attractive to automakers looking to keep prices low. As such, he believes that car manufacturers will turn towards smaller, sleeker EVs to meet the weight threshold set by regulators.

The CEO highlighted the Oli concept, a 1,000 kg (2,204 pounds) EV with a range of 400 km (249 miles) from a 40-kWh battery pack, as a potential solution to this problem. The Oli, which was unveiled last year, relied heavily on recycled materials, such as recycled cardboard for the roof, truck bed, and hood, and featured removable Bluetooth speakers in place of a built-in sound system. Cobée believes that the industry needs to find a "common ground" to reach carbon neutrality.

Source: Autocar