Other renewables

Renault launch the Fluence Z.E. electric car

Renault’s take on affordable electric vehicles can be seen from the launch of the Fluence Z.E. The concept car was first viewed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009. Distinguishing elements include blue-tinted detailing, from the lights and fog light surrounds, logos and the badge.

It features redesigned rear lights, including the strip of blue-tinted diamond shapes and a more open grille design. The car runs on a synchronous electric motor rated at 95hp at 3,000rpm, while torque peaks at 226Nm. It consumes almost no energy at traffic light unlike internal combustion engines and also features the regenerative braking system.

Although the power plant is 160 kg lighter the car has gained 280 kg overall due to the battery, located between the rear seats and the boot. The car gets Goodyear-developed low rolling resistance EfficientGrip tyres designed. The French manufacturer operated about 100 test vehicles, running 5 million kms in the process.

With the My Z.E. Connect Pack, you can access range-related data from outside your vehicle, on your smart phone or computer and the essential Wall-Box is an equipment that allows you to charge the battery charging from the 240V supply at home. A full charge takes between 6 to 8 hrs. The Fluence Z.E. will be manufactured at the OYAK-Renault plant in Bursa, Turkey and will be launched in the UK in mid-2012.

www.renault.com