Renault to Bring EVs to Nord-Pas-de-Calais

French manufacturer Renault announced last week it has signed a letter of intent with the government officials from the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region which will allow it to deploy several of its electric vehicles there. The agreement also marks the start of what Renault calls the Regional Plan for the Development of Electric Vehicles for Businesses and Consumers.

To be supported by the Maitrise Energetique des Entrainements Electriques (MEDEE), the plan will see electric vehicles being deployed with local fleet operators. The first car to be tested under the provisions of the plan is the Kangoo ZE.

“Through these electric vehicles, Renault has opted for breakthrough technology,” said Patrick Pelata, the carmaker's chief operating officer. “These vehicles are the best response to issues relating to energy and the environment, because they emit no CO2 during use, no particles and no noise.”

In addition to purchasing electric Renault vehicles, the authorities in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais will also be helping the adoption of clean cars by creating a charging infrastructure, under a program which will be announced at a later date.

The Kangoo ZE is powered by a 60 hp electric motor that can offer a maximum torque of 226 Nm. The motor draws its power from a 22 kWh lithium-ion battery and uses a direct transmission with a reduction gear. The technologies embedded in it allow for a  range of 100 miles (160 km) and has an electronically limited top speed of 80.7 mph (130 km/h).

The Kangoo ZE can now be pre-ordered for a price which starts at EUR15,000, depending on the country and incentives offered.