The famous Croisière Verte, which left Ouarzazate last October, has completed its incredible adventure after a journey of more than 16,000 km across Africa. Inspired by the legendary "Croisière Noire" launched by André Citroën 100 years ago, this expedition was designed to prove that electric mobility could meet the challenges of the most difficult terrain. And it was a successful mission for Éric Vigouroux and his team, who successfully completed their project.
A crazy bet that paid off
Crossing Africa in an electric car is a challenge in itself, and doing so in a Citroën Ami seemed almost impossible. But for Éric Vigouroux and his team, it was proof that travelling in a lightweight electric vehicle can be an efficient way to get around even in the most difficult conditions.
"It is a huge relief that we all reached the finish line safely and with a full complement of vehicles. It's a truly remarkable achievement, especially considering the challenges we faced along the way," said Éric Vigouroux. "We knew from the start that this was an ambitious project, full of uncertainties and risks. But today we feel a great sense of satisfaction that we have succeeded".
An epic journey across Africa
The "Croisière Verte" expedition began on 28 October and ended exactly four months later, on 28 February, at the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. The journey crossed 16 countries, paving the way for electric cars 100 years after André Citroën wanted them to, and demonstrating their reliability and ability to travel long distances.
One of the main objectives of the expedition was to prove that lightness and energy efficiency can cover long distances. The motto of the journey was: "Travel light, go further" - and this is exactly what was demonstrated.
"The Citroën Ami weighs only a few hundred kilos, which proved to be decisive. Thanks to this, we were able to recharge it with solar energy and cover long stretches of the route without having to use the traditional energy infrastructure. This light weight and minimal energy consumption allowed us to cross North Africa to the southern tip of the continent," explains Vigouroux.
This adventure is an invitation to a different way of life, more time, more peace, more communion with nature, but always in a Citroën. A philosophy reminiscent of the first great automobile expeditions, now adapted to the age of electrification.
Once again, a Citroën has crossed Africa, and not just any Citroën. Far from the robust half-tracks of the Croisière Noire, it was Ami that took on this crazy challenge. Ami is always there when you least expect it, proving its reliability and adaptability.
Congratulations to Éric Vigouroux's teams for this remarkable achievement! The Croisière Verte will soon be the subject of several events in France, where we will be able to relive this exceptional adventure and confirm Citroën's pioneering role in the history of the automobile.
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