Renault rolls out EV line-up

Renault revealed a plug-in version of its stylish Fluence model at the Frankfurt motor show media day, alongside concept Kangoo, Twizy and Zoe electric vehicles.

The EV range will make use of three different charging solutions: domestic/office trickle and quick charge option -- as demonstrated by Nissan's LEAF just a few months ago in Yokohama -- and 'quick drop' version whereby a battery cell pack can be reloaded after the original's driving range is spent.

Renault estimates the quick drop changeover time will take only a few minutes at outlets such as service stations. Think LPG bottle exchange for the barbie...

The D-segment (midsize vehicle; up to 4 metres in length) Fluence ZE sedan -- arguably Renault's most significant new release at Frankfurt -- will be the first to use the battery pack exchange program, taking place in Israel. Fledgling company Better Place will provide infrastructure to support the quick drop program.

Israel currently has two million cars on the road and Better Place estimates an additional 2000 vehicles per annum. This contrasts considerably with Australia's quota of road users.

In its debut presentation at Frankfurt, Better Place's founder and CEO Shai Agassi told the Carsales Network that his company expected to implement infrastructure for testing in Australia shortly after Better Place's introduction to Denmark, which will follow its efforts in Israel. That is, late 2011 at the earliest.

Meanwhile, Renault has committed to 100,000 Fluence EV models to Israel and the Scandinavian country.

"We're working hand-in-hand with Renault to provide the infrastructure to make cars like the electric Fluence a convenient and more affordable option than any petrol-engined car in the market," Agassi said in Frankfurt.

Smallest of Renault's EV lineup is the Twizy ZE (ZE for 'zero emissions') which offers transport for two; seated one behind the other. The Twizy is just 2.3m long and 1.13m wide, with a "footprint barely larger than that of a scooter".

Twizy's focus is on ease of mobility, having large instrumentation at eye-level and easy access for front and rear passenger. A clever arrangement for the rear seat allows a booster seat for a child and an extra 10-litres cargo space over allowance for 50 litres.

The tiny Twizy ZE uses a 15kW motor, developing 70Nm which is comparable to the acceleration of a 125cc motorcycle. Top speed is 75km/h and Renault estimates a driving range of 100km.

Two lithium-ion batteries are located beneath the Twizy's seats; taking just over three hours to charge via 220-240V power source. In concept form the Twizy ZE weighs only 420kg.

Good-looking Zoe ZE is next in the EV lineup; designed for daily runs to school and/or the workplace for up to four passengers.

Zoe's raison d'etre is to showcase the Alliance's ability to create electric vehicles with "elegance and efficiency". Focussing on aerodynamics, Zoe boasts a retractable rear spoiler which deploys at speeds over 90km/h.

The Zoe ZE electric vehicle uses a 70kW motor capable of producing 226Nm and driving range of 160km. In concept form Zoe is 4.1m long and rides on 21-inch wheels. Zoe's roof has a membrane designed to insulate occupants from heat and cold, reducing the toll of in-cabin climate control on the car's energy systems.

On cabin climate: Zoe's version not only adjusts temp but boasts scent, hydrating and detox functions! The system was designed in conjunction with skin care specialist L'Oreal's offshoot, Biotherm.

Like the Twizy, Zoe offers good driver communications, this time via a TFT (thin film transistor) touchscreen. The concept version's information is presented as an avatar which can be personalised.

Designed to be practical for business and fleet buyers, the Kangoo ZE Concept illustrates the Alliance's electric vehicle offering for van purchasers. Like the Zoe and Fluence ZE electric vehicles, the Kangoo ZE uses a 70kW motor capable of producing 226Nm and driving range of 160km.

Renault capitalised on the Kangoo's dimensions (length 3.95m, height: 1.85m), using heat reflective paint for the large body panels and two insulating panels to act as an insulating 'Thermos' flask. The concept Kangoo also integrates solar panels on the roof for the temperature regulation system.

In contrast to the Fluence, the Kangoo ZE will not employ the quick drop battery solution.

Check out the Carsales Network’s Frankfurt show overview and brand-by-brand summaries. And stay tuned for more Frankfurt show news and first drives in the days to come.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at www.carsales.mobi