Renault to electrify Frankfurt show

Renault will make a strong case for its environmental credentials at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show in Germany come September, where it plans to exhibit three electric vehicles (EV) alongside new battery exchange infrastructure.

As well as EV versions of the Kangoo commercial van and Megane passenger car, which are rumoured to be production ready and could be on sale in 18 months, Renault will take the wraps off a new concept car, one which it hopes to have road-ready in just three years.

The French automaker's new EV concept is expected to use the same 'Alliance B' platform as the Renault Clio and Nissan Micra, ensuring the car will be a compact, relatively lightweight runabout.

Christian Steyer, Renault's head of C-segment (small/medium car) development, explained that upcoming EVs wouldn't boast the radical styling cues of some electric car concepts of the recent past, such as the ZE Concept (pictured).

"The key is to do this [promote EVs] without frightening customers away. Customers must be tempted and not rushed too fast," said Steyer.

Renault will also display various EV technologies that are expected to feature in upcoming models such as the EV Megane and Kangoo, such as an overnight plug-in system to recharge the battery packs.

The French car company will also exhibit a new 'Quick Drop' system which Renault hopes will replace the fuel station. EVs could potentially drive up and in just three minutes have swapped their drained car batteries for a fully charged one -- assuming there's no queue.

"With the Quick Drop system there is no excuse -- you can get a new battery faster than you can fill up with fuel at a pump," added Mr Steyer.

Stay tuned to the Carsales Network for more Frankfurt motor show news in the coming weeks.

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