Frankfurt Auto Show: Renault Unveils 4 EVs, Commits to Deploying 100,000 by 2016
By Scott Doggett September 15, 2009
Renault SA today introduced a lineup of electric cars at the Frankfurt Motor Show and committed to making at least 100,000 of them by 2016.
Right, the Fluence Z.E. Concept.
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They "will bring environmental soundness at a price everyone can afford," he told an audience at the auto show.
The move is a gamble by Ghosn to carve out a big future market for the two companies he leads, Renault and Japan's Nissan Motor Co., which own large parts of each other and share technology. Most other automakers are proceeding more cautiously with electric vehicles.
Underlining Ghosn's remarks were the world debut of four electric vehicles at the Renault display area: the Fluence Z.E. Concept, the Kangoo Z.E. Concept, the Zoe Z.E. Concept and the Twizy Z.E. Concept.
Renault spokesmen said the four electric concept cars provide a preview of Renault's range of vehicles due to be released from 2011. To underscore that statement, they announced that the French automaker and EV-charging-solutions proponent Better Place signed an agreement today whereby Better Place will start importing and distributing Renault's first passenger electric vehicle -- the Fluence ZE, a five-seat sedan -- in the first half of 2011 in Israel and will offer recharging services to customers buying this car from the Renault network in Denmark.
Both companies committed to a volume of at least 100,000 vehicles for both countries by 2016.
Renault spokesmen said the Fluence Z.E. Concept has a range of 96 miles on a single charge and that the vehicle's battery can be completely recharged via a standard charge in four to eight hours or it can be switched for another battery in fewer than five minutes.
Battery switching is how Better Place intends to profit from the venture. The company revealed today that it has been working with Renault for two years on battery-switching technology they call "Quickdrop."
Yet a third option -- quick charge, which to date hasn't been given a trademark name -- is able to recharge the battery to an 80 percent state of charge in 20 minutes.
Twizy Z.E. Concept
In a statement, Renault described this concept as "an innovative response to the challenge of urban mobility." It features a four-wheel chassis capable to seating a driver and a passenger, the latter seated directly behind the former.
The "Twizy Z.E. Concept is compact, nimble and practical -- everything you need in city traffic. The wraparound bodywork creates a safe, reassuring cocoon which offers first class protection for both the driver and the passenge," Renault said.
Power comes from a 15-kilowatt (20-horsepower) electric motor which develops 20 pound-feet of torque. The acceleration performance of Twizy Z.E. Concept in urban and suburban traffic was described by its manufacturer as comparable to that of a 125cc motorbike and has a top speed of 45 miles per hour.
Its energy is supplied by lithium-ion batteries that are located beneath the two seats. When plugged into a 220-volt outlet, it can be fully charged in three and a half hours, according to Renault. The batteries enable the 924-pound vehicle to go 60 miles between charges.
The Twizy Z.E. Concept is said to be the forerunner of one of the all-electric cars Renault will introduce from 2011.
Zoe Z.E. Concept
The Zoe Z.E. Concept, Renault says, "is evidence that an all-electric zero-emission vehicle can also boast smart, appealing looks. Zoe Z.E. Concept's special roof optimizes the management of the climate control system to ensure extended range, while the ambience inside the cabin can be customized.
Over and above its traditional role, the climate control system breaks new ground with hydrating, "detox" and "active-scent" functions, "which combine to enhance the travelling experience."
The four-occupant vehicle was designed for motorists who own more than one car and who are looking for a compact, versatile vehicle capable of meeting their varied day-to-day needs, such as commuting or making shopping trips.
At the rear, a retractable spoiler deploys at speeds in excess of 56 miles per hour "to make a further contribution to
Zoe Z.E. Concept's aerodynamic efficiency." Nicely said. The LED-equipped spoiler also serves as a brake light.
Kangoo Z.E. Concept
This Kangoo is based on the existing Renault Kangoo and "brings zero-emission mobility to the professional road-user."
Like the Zoe Z.E., the Kangoo Z.E. Concept is powered by a 70-kilowatt (93-hp) electric motor delivering 167 pound-feet of torque in conjunction with a lithium-ion battery.
Solar panels on the roof are employed to power a temperature regulation system inside the car.
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