Renault Fluence ZE
In Brief
The Renault Fluence is due for release in 2011. The vehicle is based on the petrol and diesel versions although it is slightly longer and wider than those models. Production will commence at the OYAK-Renault plant in Bursa,Turkey during the first half of 2011. This is the same production facility of the current internal combustion engine versions of the vehicle. The ZE will go on sale in Israel, Denmark and the rest of Europes and will be compatible with the QuickDrop rapid battery exchange system designed by Better Place.
All the leading safety features will be included in this model together with a host of smart technologies. The interior includes a range of features including Bluetooth connectivity, smart navigation and dual-zone climate control. The interior is spacious for both front and rear passengers. Automatic headlamp and windscreen-wiper activation are part of the package.
Range anxiety is addressed by a lithium ion pack with a range of 160kms (more than ample for 90% plus of passenger vehicle daily drives) and the QuickDrop battery replacement system for longer journeys without the need to recharge in those countries where it is available. In this regard Renault and Nissan will likely share their technologies for the Fluence and Leaf models.
Battery charging can be from a standard socket and take up to eight hours or a quick charge will take 20 minutes. Battery charge access points are on both sides of the vehicle. The QuickDrop battery exchange system takes approximately 3 minutes. It is intended that the batteries will be leased from a third party provider such as Better Place.
The Fluence is one of four zero emissions vehicles earmarked for production by Renault over the next 2 - 3 years - these include a two seater urban runabout, the Twizy, a compact commercial known as the Kangoo, a hatchback, the Zoe and the Fluence family sedan. Click here for the Renault website