Renault has launched details of the on-sale dates, pricing and specification of its electric car range. According to Renault the electric version of the new Fluence saloon will arrive in the UK some time in June 2011.
Renault has launched details of the on-sale dates, pricing and specification of its electric car range. According to Renault the electric version of the new Fluence saloon will arrive in the UK some time in June 2011. This will also be the arrival date for the Electric Kangoo. The Renault Twizy, a small one or two seat car will be here in August 2011 with the Zoe to be here the following year in June 2012.
Cars, especially the Twizy have a somewhat futuristic look about them and will aim to make a statement with not only their appearance but the electric credentials as well.
The Fluence, Kangoo and Zoe all use the same 70kW or 94bhp electric motor. This helps the cars get to a top speed of 80mph with a range of around 100 miles, figures that Renault are counting on as being sufficient to attract car leasing customers. The Twizy has a more city car feel to it and this vehicle uses a 15kW or 20bhp motor to take it some 60 miles with a top speed of 45mph.
The Fluence is available as a normal car but the Zoe is the first vehicle that Renault has designed specifically as an electric vehicle. It will also be the first to feature the company’s battery exchange, which allows spent batteries to be exchanged quickly for fresh ones.
However, the infrastructure in the UK required for this is some time off with it being expected to be completed in the second half of the decade.
With the government offering a £5000 incentive for users to opt for an electric car the likes of the Zoe will be priced similar to a Renault Clio Dynamique. However, the battery cost still needs to be factored in before a definitive price can be given.