ENVIRONMENT

PROTOTYPES Z.E.

On the sidelines of the Copenhagen Conference on Climate Change in December 2009, Renault tested its two prototype electric vehicles: Renault Fluence Z.E. and Renault Kangoo Express Z.E. This life-size test demonstrated the qualities of the manufacturer’s first zero-emission vehicles.

Presentation of Renault Fluence Z.E.

Renault Fluence Z.E. 

Renault Fluence Z.E. was first unveiled in the shape of a concept car at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2009. The fruit of many years of work, this sedan has now progressed to the prototype phase and is preparing to become the first ever mass-produced electric sedan.

 
Boasting a broad range of electronic driver aids (ABS, ESP, etc.), Fluence Z.E. is just as safe as the current internal combustion version. The synchronous coil-based electric motor generates maximum power of 70 kW at 12,000 rpm.

 

The meticulously developed  lithium-ion battery, which has an energy capacity of 20 kW/h, recharges during deceleration by an energy recovery system.


Motorists have three options to recharge the battery:

  • in 6 to 8 hours, using a 220 V domestic power outlet,
  • in about 30 minutes, using a 400 V quick-recharge terminal,
  • or in just 3 minutes, with the “Quick Drop” battery replacement system available in certain service stations.

Renault Fluence Z.E. will be launched end of 2011 in Israel and Denmark, and then in the rest of Europe. The vehicles will be made in the OYAK-Renault plant in Bursa, Turkey, on the same production line as the internal combustion model. Fluence Z.E. is an economical and ecological solution for families looking for a durable, top-end vehicle. And its reduced running costs will also appeal to companies.

Renault Kangoo Express Z.E. 

Just like its internal combustion equivalent, Renault Kangoo Express Z.E. is intended for a professional clientele. The vehicle’s design has benefited from all of Renault’s broad based expertise in LCVs.

 

Measuring 4.21 m in length, Kangoo Express Z.E. offers a spacious loading volume of 3 m³. The asymmetrical rear swing doors and the side sliding door offer easy access to the rear compartment. The motor outputs 44 kW, with a maximum motor speed of 12,000 rpm. This powerful motor is also very quiet, for even more comfort at the wheel.

Renault Kangoo Express Z.E. is recharged through a plug positioned under a flap at the front of the vehicle.

 

The battery can be recharged in two ways:

  • in 6 to 8 hours, using a 220 V domestic power outlet,
  • using a 400 V three-phase supply that can charge the battery to 80% in about 30 minutes.

Renault Kangoo Express Z.E. will be launched end of 2011 in Europe, where the current version of Kangoo Express has already scored a great success with businesses and trades people. It will be produced at the Renault plant in Maubeuge, France.

Presentation of Renault Kangoo Express Z.E.