Expedition
History
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF LA CROISIÈRE NOIRE LA CROISIÈRE VERTE 2024
In October 1924, André Citroën organised an incredible expedition across Africa. The ambitious and risky objective for the time was to cross the entire African continent from north to south for the first time aboard cars. This mission, which also had a scientific dimension, was also intended to bring nations closer together by opening up communications to encourage economic development.
La Croisière Noire was born. Exactly 100 years later, driven by the same spirit of innovation, discovery and adventure, Éric Vigouroux, entrepreneur and former rally-raid driver, has decided to take up the same challenge, to celebrate the centenary of this extraordinary adventure, but for the first time, with electric cars powered by renewable energy.
It is the launch of La Croisière Verte.
Concept
To organise a major expedition from North to South Africa in 2024 using light electric mid-size vehicles. The model chosen, the Citroën AMI, is a vehicle produced in Morocco, where it is also distributed, as well as throughout Europe.
La Croisière Verte will set off from Paris during the Paris Motor Show. October 16th will mark the departure of the convoy, which will travel across France to Marseille, from where the expedition will board a ferry to the port of Tanger in Morocco. The official start of the expedition will take place from Ouarzazate on 28 October 2024, 100 years to the day after the departure of André Citroën’s Croisière Noire. It will cover a total distance of over 13,500km, arriving in Cape Town, South Africa, mid-January.
The expedition vehicles will be charging their batteries at all the renewable energy production sites along La Croisière Verte route. A solar kit on board each vehicle will also be used to produce the electricity needed to keep the expedition going in complete autonomy, whatever the circumstances.
In all the countries crossed, the expedition will meet students and people interested in the mobility of the future and renewable energies. This crossing of Africa will help explain the significance of La Croisière Verte and add a social dimension to the project.
Goals
Going further by travelling light
To explain the virtues of light, sustainable mobility // Demonstrate the simplicity, repairability and robustness of this new type of light, zero-emission electric vehicle, even on a varied and difficult route // To push new technologies to their limits and demonstrate their effectiveness
Develop the potential of the African continent
Promote initiatives, particularly in the sector of renewable energy production // Highlight the African continent's capacity to integrate new technologies // Discuss existing renewable energy infrastructures and promote their development
Inspire the younger generation
To encourage vocations among the younger generation // To create a great narrative of adventure based on eco-responsible values // To show that mid-size vehicles are not just practical, they are the symbol of a generation that combines pleasure and ecological awareness // Encourage younger people to adopt this fun and environmentally-friendly form of mobility
Citroën AMI
A daring and unexpected choice for a long-distance expedition.
Extremely light and energy-efficient, the AMI is one of the most compact electric car on the market. Its simple design around a tubular chassis is an ideal basis for turning it into a real little electric expedition buggy.
The AMI will be specially prepared for this challenge, with its range extended to 250km (from the original 70km).
La Croisière Verte will consist of 4 Citroën AMI to carry all the equipment needed for the expedition (solar kit, spare parts, tools, food, water, etc.).
100 years after La Croisière Noire, Citroën is once again at the forefront of tomorrow’s mobility.
Route
Departure in liaison from Paris during the Paris Motor Show on 16 October 2024 and
the official departure from Ouarzazate on 28 October 2024.
Estimated arrival in Cape Town mid-January 2025.
Paris
Ouarzazate
Le Cap
Elaborating the route represent a considerable challenge. All the renewable energy sites along the route need to be listed, and the geopolitical situation in each country to be taken into account.
The aim is to cover around 200km a day at an average speed of 45km/h.
The Croisière Verte is a real adventure. The precise itinerary will be worked out daily depending on the state of the tracks or roads, the weather conditions and certain other imperatives.
This itinerary is subject to change and adaptation depending on the opening of new renewable energy power stations and the political situation in the various countries crossed.
Initiator
Éric Vigouroux,
entrepreneur and former rally-raid driver
After 20 years of competition, the climate crisis, transport-related air pollution and the environmental problems of our time led him to give up his sporting passion. However, his love of the great outdoors, his passion for Africa and his taste for challenge and adventure remain intact.
In 2018, Éric approached the University of Applied Sciences in Bochum, Germany. With a group of students, he built the first solar-powered buggy, which a year later was involved in the record attempt to cross the Simpson Desert in Australia, using only solar energy.
In 2022, after discovering the story of La Croisière Noire in an old forgotten book, he decide to celebrate the centenary of this great odyssey by organising a new motor expedition, this time using ultralight electric vehicles.
Team
Antonia de Roissard
Co-driver and organisation expert
She was responsible for organising the Mercedes F-Cell World Drive for Daimler and regularly works on a number of international rallies and raids.
Frank Manders
Creator of the 80 Day Race, around the world tour in an electric car in less than 80 days.
He is a consultant for La Croisière Verte.
Adélaïde Prévôt-Sailler
Public relations and marketing specialist
She brings to the project her experience in finding partners and raising funds.
Abdou Thiam
Entrepreneur and adventurer
A former rally-raid driver, Abdou Thiam’s status as an African business leader and his knowledge of the field make him an invaluable member of the organising team.
Maarten Van Pel
Maarten joined the LCV team as a technical consultant, but not only.
His recent 13-month expedition to Africa with his partner driving an electric Škoda is a very useful source of data and information.
Thida Vuillaume
Consultant specialising in press relations and communications.
20 years’ experience in sports events.
Alexandre Winocq
Co-driver and professional mechanic
He has been competing in the most prestigious rally-raids for over 20 years.
He will be driving one of the AMI throughout the expedition.