Citroen and BASF have unveiled their all-electric concept car oli, a manifesto to how much can be saved by reducing weight and resource usage.

“This concept car shows what can be achieved when partners trust one another and are bold enough to tread new paths,” explained Uta Holzenkamp, President Coatings, representing the automotive team at BASF.

“The result is an entire microcosm of ideas and solutions that goes way beyond the original concept,” added Holzenkamp.

With speed limited to 110 km/h and acceleration close to the classic 2CV model, the concept car gains a wider range and significantly improved battery lifespan. The minimalistic approach paved the way for a refreshing and innovative design. Various components have been radically reinterpreted and constructed by using materials in a different context. For example, the complete backrest is made of a flexible 3D-printed plastic material (Ultrasint TPU88A). The open lattice structure provides natural air flow, replacing all ventilators in the seat.

Another striking feature is that many of the new components are designed and manufactured from materials from the same chemical product family. Bonded and welded components made from different materials are a challenge in mechanical recycling. For this reason, the designers created as many components as possible from a single material.

The automotive manufacturer Citroen worked closely with BASF during development and design. Innovative solutions from the chemical company played a vital role in this co-creation endeavor.

“Projects such as the development of the concept car together with Citroen are a big boost on our way towards a more sustainable future,” explained Uta Holzenkamp.

“You need innovation and creative minds to bring the ideas from the different companies together,” added Holzenkamp. 

In addition to its product and engineering expertise, BASF was also able to contribute its design expertise through the Creation Center. “This is where the project was born,” said Alex Horisberger, Manager Industrial Design, BASF.

“On a visit to the creative studio at Citroen, we were able to convince their designers with our materials and trend analyses. Working on the same level with Citroen’s interior and exterior designers was a personal highlight for me,” added Horisberger.

Laurence Hansen, Product & Strategy Director, Citroen said, “The collaboration with BASF was a key factor in the design of oli and in developing an electric vehicle that’s as fun and efficient as possible for the near future. The innovative electric car runs counter to the trend toward increasingly heavier and more complex vehicles, instead focusing on ease and simplicity. It demonstrates how to keep environmental impact to a minimum, while bringing back the fun of a functional, electric vehicle.”

The weight of the vehicle exterior was also considerably reduced, while at the same time increasing stability and durability. The hood, roof, and trunk are made of panels combining the Elastoflex polyurethane system and the Elastocoat spray paint system. Thanks to the honeycomb sandwich structure, these panels are so stable that you can even stand on them. This is part of the vehicle’s functionality.

Used for coating the car body, R-M AGILIS is another BASF product that provides greater sustainability. The water-based coating has a very low content of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

BASF CathoGuard 800 electrocoat, which protects the battery housing from corrosion, contributes to further resource savings. It stands out for its high performance and eco-friendliness as it is tin/HAPs-free and with low solvent content.