Meet Renault’s electric dream. These are the first official pictures of the production Fluence and Kangoo electric cars which are due to hit European roads in 2011.
The French firm predicts that 10 per cent of all cars will be powered by electricity by 2020 and, along with alliance partner Nissan, is planning to be one step ahead of the competition with its family saloon and commercial van offerings.
First to arrive will be the Fluence ZE – an electric version of the conventionally-powered Focus-sized Fluence saloon. Drive comes from a 70kW electric motor which powers the front wheels and the range is 100miles. The batteries are lithium ion units, weigh 250kg and are located behind the rear seats.
Batteries can be recharged from a household supply in 6-8 hours, at a fast charge station in 30 minutes, or via a Quikcdrop facility which allows the car’s flat battery to be taken out and swapped for a full one in just three minutes.
Production begins at the Bursa plant in Turkey early in 2011, with Israel and Denmark being the first to get it. UK sales will start later in the year.
To mark it out from its petrol-powered sibling, Renault has added blue-tinted head and taillights, gloss black mirror housings, and the battery charge flaps on both wings.
Inside, the rev-counter has been replaced by a display for range and battery charge, while the dash gets ZE-specific trim. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express