- Concept plays with the idea of a future minivan
- Six seats fit inside a vehicle not much bigger than a Mini
- Swivel seats, inflatable beds and a projection screen are all equipped
No, it has nothing to do with Electric Light Orchestra, because Citroen’s playful concept that shares the same acronym is less about experimental rock music from the 1970s and more about cramming an entire extended family into a small electric car.
The radical electric concept from the French manufacturer is designed to make us rethink our approach to multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs), minivans and passenger cars, suggesting that something with the footprint of an average hatchback can double as a capable people-mover.
Citroen says it would be based on a dedicated electric platform, with the engine located on the rear axle and the interior designed to make “efficient use of every cubic centimeter”.
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As a result, the driver’s seat is uniquely positioned dead center, just like a McLaren F1, with its designers saying the steering wheel has been moved as far forward as possible to maximize interior space.
This also provides an extra wide field of vision out the windscreen and allows the driver to spin around when parked and chat with passengers. It could also indicate that greater levels of autonomous driving are on the way.
To squeeze six people on board, Citroen has devised some clever hidden seats that can be folded when not in use or flank the driver when needed.
Behind these is a fairly standard three-seat bench, although each passenger gets a dedicated seat, rather than the unlucky one in the middle having to make do with a piece of fabric.
Sleep on it
To take the concept of extensive interior spaciousness to the maximum, the ELO carries two mattresses folded into dedicated storage compartments in the boot. These inflatable beds are made in collaboration with the French sports store Decathlon and are inflated like a stand-up paddleboard via a built-in compressor.
When fully inflated, they hang from the ceiling and lie over the folded rear bench for a comfortable night’s sleep.
As you’ve probably noticed, the concept is very orange, which Citroen says “embodies the joyous nature of the concept”, although the shade changes from orange to yellow depending on the light.
Inside, there’s even more orange with fabrics made from recycled sportswear (thanks Decathlon), as well as a projection screen to broadcast movies when they’re turned on.
The driver’s seat also has a small desk, so it can act as the ultimate mobile office for managing the many social media accounts. Hashtag vanlife.
Side doors that open in opposite directions allow for easy entry and exit, even with such a small exterior footprint, while the large greenhouse means the interior is flooded with light.
It’s a little crazy, and many of the elements will probably be lost if this car ever goes into production, but Citroen is serious about small cars that offer smart interior solutions.
The company’s CEO, Xavier Chardon, says that ELO is “fully in line with the times and offers concrete, innovative solutions to promote freedom of movement and a better life”. We say build it!
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