Renault unveils four electric car concepts at Frankfurt Motor Show
For Renault, the electric vehicle is the real long-term solution to today’s environmental and noise pollution issues. Technological innovations now make it possible to mass market an electric vehicle at reasonable cost. In addition, changes in vehicle use make electric cars ideal for the majority of trips, with 80% of Europeans currently driving less than 60km a day.
Renault will bring its customers a complete range of electric vehicles by as early as 2011. Their design will be largely inspired by the concept cars revealed at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.
First is the Twizy Z.E. Concept. It´s a pearlescent white, ultra-compact and nimble 1+1 zero-emission city car, with 15kW motor (20hp) and footprint barely larger than a scooter (2.3m long, 1.13m wide and turning circle of 3m). It has a top speed of 47mph, with acceleration comparable to 125cc motorbike
Next is the Zoe Z.E. Concept, which is a compact, four-seat supermini for short daily journeys in urban areas. Scissor doors at the front and butterfly doors at the rear, with polyurethane gel for front and rear of car to underline its hi-tech feel and protect components against minor knocks in town. It features a 70kW motor for a 100 mile range, 21” alloy wheels and a retractable rear spoiler for greater aerodynamic efficiency. Completing the Zoe is quite possibly the most poncey feature of a concept car ever – a personalisable avatar for driving information, mood lighting and futuristic ´hydrate, detox and active scent´ climate control!
Third up is the Fluence Z.E. Concept, which is an electric version of all-new, elegant five-seat Fluence saloon with range of 100 miles for family driving, ahead of production for Israeli market with Project Better Place. The Fluence boasts low-rolling resistance Michelin tyres and Samsung Jet phones.
Finally, there´s the Kangoo Z.E. Concept which previews electric van for fleet and commercial use with 70kW electric motor, solar roof panels and even a heated steering wheel. This one is the first to go on sale in Europe, arriving in France next year for use by the post office.
The liveeco team
