The Electric Car Corporation (ECC) has announced the launch of the UK’s first four-seat all-electric production car.

The launch coincided with the Government’s announcement to make the UK a world leader in producing and exporting electric cars.

Called the Citroën C1 ev’ie, ECC says this is the first all-electric four-seat car to offer the comfort, performance and range of standard safety features expected from a petrol car. 

ECC says the C1 ev’ie has a range of 96 – 112 km when fully charged and a top speed of around 96 km/h. They say that it provides the driver with a normal, yet silent, driving experience, but at a fraction of the running costs of a petrol car.

The C1 ev’ie can be fully charged in 6-7 hours from a domestic 13 amp socket at a cost of around $2.70, making it an ideal city car for either professional or domestic use.

Assembled in the UK the C1 ev’ie has more than 50 percent local content.  ECC expects to produce 500 C1 ev’ies over the next 12 months, rising to between 2,000 and 4,000 units in 2010, dependant upon demand and government support.

 “We believe this is the first serious alternative to a petrol or diesel car.  It drives just like a petrol car and has excellent capacity for use in any town or city,” says ECC chief executive David Martell.

“The key to building a successful electric car is an efficient battery management system (BMS).  ECC has developed an advanced system, which when coupled with regenerative breaking, can provide the driver with much greater range and better performance.” He says.

The C1 ev’ie took part in the 2009 Brighton-London Eco-rally. The event, held on Monday June 8, saw a parade of environmentally conscious vehicles take to the streets with the finishing line at London’s City Hall. Mayor Boris Johnson, a supporter of electric vehicles, welcomed the participating models.

The C1 ev’ie was driven by legendary racing driver John Surtees, the only person to have won world championships on both two and four wheels and will be accompanied by David Martell, chief executive of the Electric Car Corporation.

Organised by Revolve, the rally formed part of love London’s “‘The Green Festival” and event partners include the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership and What Car? magazine. The C1 ev’ie is priced at UK £16,850.