Automotive

Self-driving Citroën Skate carries swappable pods for inner-city travel

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The "Pullman Power Fitness" pod for the Citroën skate
Citroën Communication/DR
The JCDecaux City Provider pod atop the Citroën Skate
Citroën Communication/DR
The "Pullman Power Fitness" pod for the Citroën skate
Citroën Communication/DR
The "Sofitel En Voyage" pod for the Citroën Skate
Citroën Communication/DR
The Citroën Skate can be fitted with passenger pods in as little as 10 seconds
Citroën Communication/DR
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Citroën has introduced an interesting mobility concept that brings together several forward-looking transport technologies into one versatile vehicle. The Citroën Skate is a self-driving electric vehicle platform that can be fitted with different types of pods depending on the job at hand, and cuts a slender profile through the streets to keep disturbances to a minimum.

The Citroën Skate is designed to operate nearly continuously, topping itself up at dedicated induction charging bases to stay on the move. Top speed can be limited to 25 km/h (15 mph) or 5 km/h (3 mph) depending on how it is being used, while hydraulic suspension softens the bumps and jolts for those onboard.

The wheels designed in collaboration with Goodyear are fitted with small electric motors and the spherical tires seen previously from company, allowing the Citroën Skate to move in any direction. The vehicle measures 2.6 m long, 1.6 m wide and 51 cm high (5.2 x 8.5 x 1.6 ft) and is designed to travel in dedicated lanes while a smart fleet management system governs its movements around a city.

The Citroën Skate can be fitted with passenger pods in as little as 10 seconds
Citroën Communication/DR

Citroën has introduced three pod designs for the Skate, all of which can be fitted to the platform in as little as 10 seconds and two of which were designed with French hotel company Accor. The Sofitel En Voyage pod offers the type of high comfort you might associate with a luxury hotel brand, mixing flat glass, wooden marquetry, blood orange velvet and fancy furniture in a box big enough for three passengers.

The "Sofitel En Voyage" pod for the Citroën Skate
Citroën Communication/DR

Luggage is slid into a dedicated compartment, while an LED strip displays messaging on news, weather and travel times. Other features include a bar, sound system, customizable lighting and a touchscreen tablet for video conference calling.

Also designed with Accor is the Pullman Power Fitness pod, which aims to combine physical activity with commuting. A rowing and exercise machine can both be found inside the glassy bubble, which ensures privacy for the passengers but still allows for outward viewing. A digital coach can be accessed through a holographic screen and according to Citroën, the exercise that takes place onboard could even be leveraged to help charge the vehicle's batteries.

The JCDecaux City Provider pod atop the Citroën Skate
Citroën Communication/DR

The third pod, called the JCDecaux City Provider, is inspired by street furniture. An enclosed cabin with dark-tinted windows offers privacy if need be, while an open area sits opposite with protection from the elements offered by an awning. The City Provider pod is designed for up to five passengers, and is fitted with USB charging and interactive screens for journey planning and tourist information.

The full-length reveal video for the Citroën Skate can be viewed below.

Source: Citroën

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7 comments
CAVUMark
I suspect the pod will be asking for a tip when payment is processed?
T N Args
At last, we are starting to get somewhere, instead of looking like a car with the front seats on swivels.
Ron Grace
As a truck driver all my working life ,I would like to congratulate Citroen on their urban mobility concept but please ditch the gimmicks.this idea is being used in the container handling industry now,so please concentrate on moving people and freight within the city environment,and if passengers wish to exercise on route,get up earlier.🇬🇧
Bob Flint
So a limo service, to shuttle guests to hotels, a mobile gym, & sight seeing mini pod, that's everyone … really missed the 99% using buses, trains, taxis, bikes, & cars daily. Good luck with those balls on snow, & slush. Getting from point A to B has a purpose, be it goods, or people efficiently, in all weather, and respecting the planet. Good pair of shoes, or sneakers has worked so well for eons, or just telecommute.
windykites
This is a Utopian dream-world. It would only work in a city without poor people. The designers have been given a huge budget, but is it really practical?
DJ's "Feed Me Doggie"
The "Pullman Power Fitness" pod looks more like the Oscar Meyer Weiner-Mobile, with a fused spinal injury.
ArdisLille
The video is so much about the video! There's got to be a pony in there somewhere.