Renault unveils EV sedan in Frankfurt
Better Place commits to buying 100,000 examples of the Fluence Z.E.Renault used the Frankfurt Motor Show to reveal four concept cars, but the star attraction was the Fluence ZE Concept. Based on Renault's replacement for the Megane sedan, the vehicle features a switchable battery system developed in conjunction with Better Place; the company champioining battery swapping infrastructure in places like Israel, Denmark and Australia.
The ZE (zero emissions) concept if a genuine five-seater that has been designed as a practical family car. Renault claims the electric motor produces 70kW and 226Nm and will give the car a range of 160km. Says Renault, the Fluence ZE is due to go on sale in 20 countries around the world in the first half of 2011.
Like existing EV models the Fluence ZE can be recharged via a standard charge point in four to eight hours or a quick charge which will get the battery to 80 per cent capacity in 20 minutes. However, the unique feature of the Renault is its ability to have its battery swapped out and replaced with a fully charged unit in under five minutes.
Better Place has not only helped develop the car and its battery swap technology but also committed to buying at least 100,000 units for its markets in Israel and Denmark. The first examples are due to hit the road in 2011 with the full amount to be delivered by 2016.
Under the terms of the deal the Fluence ZE will be sold through Better Place outlets in Israel and Renault dealers in Denmark. The car will be covered b a four-year/120,000km warranty from Renault.
"The signature of this agreement is a step forward for Renault's electric vehicle strategy," said Carlos Ghosn, Renault's President and CEO.
"Fluence ZE will be the first Renault passenger electric vehicle launched in 2011 in more than 20 countries worldwide.
"It will be an attractive and spacious family car that will enjoy highly competitive running costs compared to conventional vehicles. Since we first announced our partnership with Better Place in January, 2008, the Renault and Better Place teams have worked diligently to make today's announcement a reality, giving us a two-year lead over the competition," Ghosn stated.
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