The Citroën Ami has just completed an extraordinary all-electric journey from Ouarzazate to Cape Town, covering more than 16,000 kilometers across sixteen countries—all without a single drop of fuel. Dubbed “La Croisière Verte,” this ambitious expedition, led by former rally-raid driver Éric Vigouroux, set out to prove that electric mobility can handle even the most challenging terrains Africa has to offer.
After three years of meticulous planning, the adventure took inspiration from Citroën’s legendary “Croisière Noire” expedition nearly a century ago. The convoy of four Citroën Ami vehicles departed Morocco on October 28, 2024, and made its way through Mauritania, Senegal, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, and Namibia before finally reaching South Africa on February 28, 2025.
Over the course of 123 days, the journey became a real-world test of electric vehicle reliability in extreme conditions. The team relied solely on renewable energy sources—95% solar power, 4% hydroelectricity, and 1% wind energy—proving that sustainable travel is possible even in remote and demanding environments.
For Samir Cherfan, Chief Operating Officer for Stellantis in the Middle East and Africa, the success of this expedition underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable mobility. Originally designed for urban use, the Citroën Ami demonstrated its ability to adapt to all kinds of landscapes, challenging the notion that electric vehicles are limited to city streets.
Beyond the technological feat, La Croisière Verte was also a human adventure, fostering exchanges with local communities, renewable energy experts, and students along the way. By highlighting the potential for an energy transition across Africa, the expedition has opened new possibilities for cleaner, more accessible transportation on the continent.
With this groundbreaking journey, the Citroën Ami has shattered expectations, proving that the electric revolution isn’t just for developed roads and city centers—it can thrive even on some of the world’s most demanding routes.
