Renault Fluence Z.E. It’s based on a conventionally powered saloon that Renault sells in other countries called the Fluence.The Fluence costs £17,850 after you’ve deducted the UK government’s £5,000 subsidy for electric cars which ends in March 2012.
The press release adopts a rather stern tone reminding you that “when you purchase your Fluence ZE, you don’t actually buy the battery in the car. This remains the property of Renault via RCI Financial Services.”
The official combined range is 115 miles. However, Renault claims it could be as high as 125 miles or as low as 50 miles. And if you want an extra recharge point installed (perhaps at your office), Charge master will bill you an extra £799 for the privilege. Some countries also offer the option to swap your depleted batteries for a fully charged set.We’re also told that the Fluence has a smart feature which limits the speed of the car when the battery is close to dying.
The electric motor produces 70kw which is equivalent to 94bhp. The Fluence range is a few miles higher and it costs £8,000 less than the Leaf. At least the Fluence stands out given that the conventionally powered model isn’t sold in the UK.
At launch there will only be 20 Renault dealers who can service the Fluence. Renault estimates that electric vehicles will account for 10 per cent of the world market by 2020. As the C segment’s first production saloon electric vehicle, Renault Fluence Z.E. targets motorists and fleet operators who are looking for a status-enhancing vehicle that is both economical to run and respectful of the environment.
Renault Fluence Z.E. will be manufactured at the OYAK-Renault factory in Bursa, Turkey, on the same production line as the internal combustion engine-powered versions of Fluence. As the compact segment’s first three-box electric vehicle, it was imperative that Renault Fluence Z.E. should be recognizable at first glance. To distinguish it from the internal combustion engine-version, it comes with a package of specific features and details that unmistakably associate it with Renault’s electric vehicle range.
At the front, the Renault logo, fog lamp surrounds, headlamp brows and lower part of the headlamp mask are all picked out in a blue-hued color. Renault Fluence Z.E.’s lines are taut and fluid, while the rear quarter panels have been harmoniously extended in order to absorb the additional length resulting from the longer rear overhang. The design of the rear lights, which extend forward either side of the car, also contributes to the overall balance of Renault Fluence Z.E.’s lines. Several body colors are available, including Energy Blue, a new color that is specific to Renault’s electric vehicle range.
Renault Fluence Z.E. is conclusive proof that electric vehicles do not have to be small, narrow and uncomfortable city cars with a limited touring ability.Renault Fluence Z.E.’s interior is based on the same layout as the internal combustion-engine version. Renault Fluence Z.E. targets families looking for a spacious, comfortable vehicle, and total boot space amounts to 300dm3 (VDA/ISO). The electric version of Renault Fluence is likely to figure on the shopping list of many fleet operators thanks to its low running costs.
