Fluence Z.E. and Kangoo Express Z.E. unveiled

Renault has revealed the final designs of its electric versions of the Fluence and Kangoo Express. The Z.E. versions are already available at www.renault-ze.com for those who wish to be the first to drive these electric powered vehicles.

Predictions from Renault point that electric vehicles will represent 10 percent of the world market by 2020. Together with its Alliance with Nissan, Renault is investing 4 billion euros in its zero emissions programme.

Renault Fluence Z.E.

The first concept version of the Fluence Z.E. was presented at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Since then Renault has made some changes to reach the final version of the electric vehicle that will be available for sale in Europe and Israel from 2011. The Z.E. version of the Fluence has been developed thinking in motorists and fleet operators that are looking for a vehicle that is both status-enhancing but at the same time economical and eco-friendly.

Production of the Fluence Z.E. will take place in Bursa, Turkey, the same plant where the standard Fluence model is built. The Z.E. version is set to start being manufactured in the first half of 2011.

Renault wanted the Z.E. version of the Fluence to be quickly recognizable, so the first three-box electric vehicle has been equipped with a package of specific features and details. These modifications identify the Renault Fluence Z.E. with the brand’s electric vehicle range.

The Fluence Z.E. has grown 13 centimetres in length (4.75 metres), compared to the standard model, in order to accommodate the battery behind the rear seats.

This entirely electric vehicle is powered by a synchronous electric motor with rotor coil, with an output of 70 kW at 11.000 rpm and maximum torque of 226 Nm. The engine is fed by a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 22 kW/h, with an incorporated technology of energy recovery from deceleration.

The battery of the Fluence Z.E. can be charged in three different ways. The first is through a household mains supply, with the charging taking between six and eight hours. The lithium-ion battery can also be charged in fast charge stations using a 32A 400V supply. This process takes approximately 30 minutes and should only be available in 2012 or 2013. Finally the Fluence Z.E. also comes with a QuickDrop battery switch system which makes possible to swap batteries in approximately three minutes in exchange stations.

Renault Kangoo Express Z.E.

The Kangoo Express Z.E. was first presented at the COP 15 (United Nations Climate Change Conference) in Copenhagen. Renault has revealed the finalized design of the vehicle that should be launched on the first half of 2011, with an operational range of 160km.

The light commercial vehicle was developed for business users that will be willing to reduce their running costs thanks to the more economical power source. The engineers have worked to guarantee a very high standard of reliability and durability. The Kangoo Express Z.E. benefits from Renault's large experience of van production and will start being produced from the first half of 2011 at the M.C.A. facilities (Maubeuge Carrosserie Automobile) in northern France.

The Renault Kangoo Express Z.E. is 4.21 metres long and has a boot area of 3 to 3.5m3. The battery is located in a central position beneath the floor which doesn’t affect the carrying capacity of this electric version. The overall design of the Z.E. version is similar to the standard Kangoo Express, with a short nose, robust front end and teardrop-shaped crystal headlamps.

Powered by a 44kW electric motor the Renault Kangoo Express Z.E. boasts energy efficiency of 90 per cent. Intantly delivering peak torque of 226 Nm the electric vehicle quickly responds to acceleration at low speed.

As for charging, the Kangoo Express Z.E. can have its battery recharged in two different ways: via a socket located behind a flap alongside the right-hand headlamp or through a conventional charge via a household mains supply (16A 220V). The battery also charges whenever the vehicle decelerates. When the foot is taken from the pedal, the vehicle's kinetic energy is recovered by the engine which converts it into electric current.