2008 Paris Auto Show: Renault Unveils Truly Green Concept

2008 Paris Auto Show: Renault Unveils Truly Green Concept

By Nick Kurczewski

PARIS - This year's Paris auto show has seen many almost every major car manufacturer go green, as electric and hybrid vehicles seem to cover every square inch of the exhibition halls.  But Renault has taken a strangely literal twist to the eco-friendly theme.  The French company has installed green-tinted windows in the electric powered Z.E. Concept that made its debut here in Paris.

Exactly why the Z.E. sports this toxic-green-colored glasswork, we're not sure.  An interactive information center off to the side of the chunky-looking concept was pretty sparse with specifics. What we did learn is that the Z.E. is powered by lithium-ion batteries that have a six year lifespan. 

We also learned that, whenever possible, the Z.E. uses high-tech measures to eek better range out of those batteries. At the moment, range is estimated at only 60-90 miles. To streamline its aerodynamic profile the Z.E. uses rear-view cameras instead of side mirrors. 

Solar panels are built into the roof to aid in recharging and the concept has "double-walled insulating bodywork" to help keep the interior warm or cool, without needing to crank up the heat or a/c. But what the heck is an "athermal paint finish?"  And how close is the Z.E. to the electric car Renault and Nissan are co-developing?

We clearly needed to talk to an expert.  Luckily for us, Serge Yoccoz, Renault's project director for electric vehicles, happened to be close by.  According to Yoccoz, his job involves setting up "the conditions to allow electric vehicles (EVs) to work." 

This includes everything from the development of recharging stations, to working with utility companies and negotiating with governments around the world for tax incentives for electric car owners.      

As early as next year Renault will begin electric vehicle programs in Israel, Denmark and Portugal.  Yoccoz says that Renault hopes to add other countries to this list in the next few months. 

While he concedes that car buyers concerned with the environment will be important to the early commercial success of electric cars, Yoccoz believes that electric vehicles must be priced less than their gas or diesel-powered alternatives.  "The electric car should be less expensive...not just in terms of the upfront cost but also the price you pay for running the car."

As for the Z.E. Concept, Yoccoz says that some of the technology found on the show-car is being considered for the electric car Renault will bring to market in 2011. Regenerative braking, LED lights, quick-charge batteries and even the rear-view camera system might make their way to the production model. 

Thankfully those lurid green windows are show-car-only.

Photos by Nick Kurczewski
Nick Kurczewski is AutoObserver's Paris-based correspondent.
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Michelle Krebs:  is Editor-in-Chief of AutoObserver.com. Follow @AutoObserver on Twitter.