"We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard"
So said President John F. Kennedy in 1962, and only seven years later humankind had set foot on the moon.
It's a metaphor for human progress, and it's the reason that two French drivers, Xavier and Antonin, are embarking upon their Electric Odyssey around the world not in something big, comfy and all-terrain, but a Citroen C-Zero electric car - otherwise known as the Mitsubishi i.
Unlike the Mitsubishi i now sold in the U.S, the C-Zero is based on the European and Japanese-market Mitsubishi i-MiEV, which lacks some of the extra features granted to the U.S-market version, such as a wider body and more comfort and convenience features inside. The car is also sold in Europe by Citroen's partner, Peugeot.
Of course, the other motive for setting off around the world in a small electric car is to dispel the myth that the vehicles are unsuitable for longer journeys. Another motive might be, quite simply, because it's fun.
The team is relying on the good nature of people along the route, known as "Pluggers", who allow them to charge the Citroen at their homes as they drive across each country.
Xavier and Antonin will be crossing the U.S. as you read this (the team's map shows them in Chicago right now), and hope to reach California on April 13, where they'll hold a conference in Palo Alto.
The journey is expected to take 8 months, visit 17 countries, take in just over 15,500 miles of scenery and cost around $330 in electricity, at current exchange rates.
Want to be a "Plugger" and help the duo on their way around the world? Well if you see your city on the team's map (linked above) then you can "Like" the journey on Facebook and offer your assistance.
We wish the team good luck on their global journey. It may not be easy, but the challenge will be worth it.
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