In 1924, André Citroën embarked on a bold adventure, leading an expedition across the African continent in a fleet of cars, an audacious effort to prove the resilience of contemporary automotive technology. Known as “La Croisière Noire,” the journey marked a pivotal moment in the history of both travel and the automotive industry. One hundred years later, entrepreneur and former rally-raid driver Éric Vigouroux is reimagining this iconic voyage with La Croisière Verte—a sustainable expedition using electric vehicles to cross Africa from north to south.
Rekindling the Spirit of Adventure
At the heart of La Croisière Verte lies a desire to honor the adventurous spirit of Citroën’s original odyssey, while embracing the urgent need for sustainable mobility. André Citroën’s expedition was not only about the daring feat of crossing a continent, but also about pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation and bringing nations together through shared progress. Vigouroux, inspired by this legacy, aims to demonstrate that today’s technology can equally rise to the challenge, but in a way that responds to the environmental crises of our time.
The expedition will cover more than 13,500 km, starting from Ouarzazate, Morocco, on October 28, 2024, exactly 100 years after the departure of La Croisière Noire. The convoy will traverse 15 African countries before concluding in Cape Town, South Africa, in mid-January 2025. Powered entirely by renewable energy, the vehicles used—specially modified Citroën AMI electric cars—will be self-sufficient, equipped with portable solar stations to ensure zero emissions throughout the journey.
A New Kind of Expedition Vehicle
The Citroën AMI, known for its compact design and energy efficiency, was selected for this expedition due to its versatility and sustainability. Originally produced in Morocco, this lightweight electric car is one of the most eco-friendly options on the market. For the journey, the AMIs will be adapted to extend their range from 70 km to 250 km, transforming them into reliable vehicles for long-distance travel in challenging environments.
Each AMI will carry essential equipment, including spare parts, solar kits, and supplies, ensuring the team can maintain their self-sufficiency across diverse terrains. The expedition is a testament to the simplicity and durability of these electric vehicles, proving that light, zero-emission cars can handle even the most demanding journeys. The team will push the boundaries of electric mobility while promoting the virtues of sustainable travel.
A Meeting of Minds: Innovation and Sustainability
La Croisière Verte is more than just a tribute to Citroën’s adventure; it is a platform to highlight the potential of sustainable technologies, particularly in Africa. Along the route, the team will visit universities, associations, and renewable energy sites, engaging with local experts to discuss the future of mobility. With support from Aminata Diop Johnson, Director of the Africa Cultural Agency, the expedition will collaborate with communities dedicated to energy transition, shining a light on Africa’s capacity to adopt and lead in new technologies.
By meeting with students, researchers, and professionals, the expedition aims to inspire the next generation of innovators. They will showcase the practicality and repairability of electric vehicles, encouraging young people to embrace this environmentally conscious form of transport. Through these encounters, La Croisière Verte seeks to foster a new wave of enthusiasm for clean energy and mobility, proving that sustainable technology is not only effective but also exciting.
The Future of Mobility: Light, Electric, and Eco-Friendly
At its core, La Croisière Verte is about inspiring a collective imagination for the future of transportation. As Vigouroux points out, “The adoption of new technologies will come through desire and imagination.” The expedition is not only a technical challenge but an emotional journey, designed to evoke the same sense of wonder and possibility that Citroën’s original expeditions did a century ago.
Vigouroux’s goal is clear: to demonstrate that zero-emission vehicles can be high-performing, fun, and aspirational. Through La Croisière Verte, the team hopes to pave the way for the wider adoption of electric vehicles, showing that sustainable mobility is not just a necessity, but a source of joy and adventure.
As the world looks for solutions to the climate crisis and the challenges of modern transportation, La Croisière Verte stands as a symbol of what is possible when innovation, sustainability, and the spirit of adventure converge. In 2024, just as in 1924, Citroën will once again be at the forefront of a remarkable journey—one that promises to shape the future of mobility.
