Renault Fluence ZE, Kangoo Express Production Versions Unveiled

As its efforts to implement an infrastructure which will support electric vehicles in the near future continue, French carmaker Renault pulled the wraps of the production versions of its two upcoming EVs, the Fluence and Kangoo. With the hope that by 2020 EVs will account for about 10 percent of the overall market, the Fluence ZE will hit the market in 2011.

The car will be powered by n electric motor that develops 95 horsepower and 226 Nm of torque and comes with a lithium-ion battery that ensures a range of 160 km.

There are three recharging modes available, a standard charge that takes between four and eight hours, a quick charge (around 20 minutes) plus an immediate solution that needs three minutes - also known as Renault's Quickdrop rapid battery exchange system.

The model, which was first unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September as the Fluence ZE concept, will be produced on the same Turkish production line as the conventionally-powered versions of Fluence.

The Kangoo will offer an operating range of 160 km. According to Renault, the fact that the car is powered by an electric motor will not affect the carrying capacity of the vehicle.

Renault has already set up an website where future customers of the ZE can pre-register for an electric Fluence.

“The simple act of registration allows prospective buyers to choose their electric vehicle and benefit from priority availability as soon as it comes onto the market,” the French carmaker said in a statement.