- New Citroen ELO revealed
- Electric concept that’s a mobile ‘basecamp’
- Converts into a camper with blow-up mattresses
- Could also be office work space
- Central driving position
- Signposts future Citroen tech
Is it an MPV, is it a camper, or is it mobile office space? Whatever it is, it’s the fully-electric new Citroen ELO!
No, it’s got nothing to do with 70s rockers the Electric Light Orchestra.
Here the ‘ELO’ bit stands for ‘Rest, Play, Work’ and this is a vehicle that hopes to re-write the rulebook when it comes to compact people carriers.
Here’s everything you need to know.
What is the Citroen ELO?
The Citroen ELO is a fully-electric new concept vehicle that’s being described as an ‘ideas laboratory’ - a sort of experimental testbed that could sow the seed for future production innovations.
It’s a compact vehicle with a footprint of 4.10m, which is similar to that of the diminutive Citroen e-C3.
Yet the ELO’s modular design means that it’s actually capable of accommodating 6 people (though a four-seat configuration is also an option).
Huge double-opening doors also provide easy access to the roomy interior.
Does the Citroen ELO have a centrally positioned driver's seat?
Yep, you can pretend you’re behind the wheel of a McLaren F1 with the Citroen ELO, as there’s one central seat for the driver, positioned slap-bang on the middle of the cockpit, followed by additional seating offset to the left and right.
The central seat also swivels 360 degrees and doubles up as an ‘office chair when required’, says Citroen. You can even beam your conference call onto the car’s unique head-up display.
Can the Citroen ELO be used as a camper?
Yep, Citroen says the ELO is a ‘basecamp’ for lots of different leisure and work activities,
A Citroen spokesperson tells us: “ELO can also be transformed into a sleeping space for two people, a home cinema room, a power supply, and many other uses.”
It’s aimed fully at outdoors enthusiasts as well, thanks in part to Citroen’s partnership with Decathlon.
There are two inflatable mattresses folded into special storage compartments in the boot while the rear light units transform into bedside lamps.
There’s a special seat built into the sill of the boot opening to help you take off your boots after a muddy hike. The three rear seats can be removed entirely… and then used as picnic chairs outside.
Meanwhile a compressor built into the car’s underbody can be used to inflate your mountain bike tyres or paddleboard.
There’s even an old-skool prop-up roof that allows you to gaze up at the night sky while you’re slumbering.
Will the Citroen ELO make it to production?
It’s highly unlikely that the Citroen ELO will make it to production in its current form.
But as a vision of what’s to come from Citroen, it’s an interesting vehicle and one that could signpost some concrete future production innovations.
The modular seating, for example, could trickle down to Citroen’s cars - and who wouldn’t want a relatively small car with absolutely acres of space inside?
Enjoyed this? Read our latest news
- Cut-price new Tesla Model Y Standard announced for UK!
- Toyota stuns with GR GT reveal
- Jeep creates one-off Avenger designed for stargazing
- Are you crackers? A fifth of motorists risk shattered windscreens this winter
- Soft-top G-Wagon set for comeback
Where To Next?
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to our newsletter.
Looking for a great leasing deal? Check out our incredible range of special offers.
Read our latest reviews and find the right model for you.
Want to know more about leasing? Take a look at our comprehensive leasing guides.
Interested in everything motoring? Why not catch up on all the latest car leasing news.
