Renault Introduces Kangoo Express ZE Electric LCV at 20,000

At the International Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover, Renault is premiering the definitive version of Kangoo Express ZE (Zero Emission), the first all-electric van developed and built by a vehicle manufacturer. (Earlier post.)

Kangoo Express ZE will be sold in Europe at a price of €20,000 (US$26,800) excluding VAT, prior to any tax incentive that might be deductible. In France, for example, a state subsidy of €5,000 will reduce the price of Renault Kangoo Express ZE down to €15,000 (US$20,000) excluding VAT, the same price as a Kangoo Express of identical diesel-engined power.

Ownership of the vehicle will be separate to that of the battery. Customers will be able to purchase or lease their ZE van and take out a subscription for the battery costing from €72 (US$96) excluding VAT per month.

Renault Kangoo Express ZE is 4.21m long with a load capacity of between 3 and 3.5 m³, a load length of 2.50m and a payload of 650 kg (1,433 lbs). The batteries are located in the center of the vehicle under the floor, so load capacity is exactly the same as on the internal combustion-engined Kangoo Express. The asymmetric hinged rear doors and sliding slide door provide easy access to the cargo area, which is large enough to take a euro-pallet.

Kangoo Express ZE is powered by a 22 kWh Li-ion battery pack. The electric motor has a power output of 44 kW (60 hp) and a maximum speed of 10,500 rpm; maximum torque is 226 N·m (167 lb-ft). Energy efficiency is 90%. Low rolling resistance tires improve energy performance even further.

Kangoo Express ZE has a range of 160 km (99 miles) over an NEDC combined cycle. Renault has developed a special MMI (man machine interface) display to inform the driver of the remaining battery charge and operational range:

• a gauge next to the speedometer shows the remaining battery charge,
• an econometer displays the level of energy consumption in real time,
• the econometer uses a new colour code: light blue for “normal” use, dark blue for optimum operation (energy recovery) and red for excessive consumption that will impact vehicle range,
• the onboard computer is tailored to the characteristics of electric vehicles. It shows the remaining range and number of kWh, as well as real-time and average consumption.

New functions will also be available, such as pre-heating and pre-cooling during recharging, to maximize vehicle range.

The electric van will be produced in France at the Renault MCA (Maubeuge Carrosserie Automobile) plant in Maubeuge, on the same production line as the internal combustion-engined version. It will take full advantage of the first Kangoo’s production know-how, supplier fabric and logistics network. This will make it possible to start production quickly as well as ensuring high quality standards from the outset, Renault says.

Vehicles can be pre-ordered now on the website www.renault-ze.com.

Green Car Congress

=> Renault Introduces Kangoo Express ZE Electric LCV at 20,000.

Report: Renault shoots for annual target of 200,000 EVs by 2016

Renault Zoe Z.E. concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

We already know that Nissan is really bullish when its comes to discussing the future of electric cars; it turns out partner Renault has similar sentiments. As the French paper La Tribune reports, sources within Renault state that the company is shooting for the optimistic goal of producing 200,000 electric vehicles (EVs) per year by 2016. Though some estimates suggest that EVs will make up no more than five percent of a company’s overall production by 2016, La Tribune reports that Renault plans to easily eclipse that threshold.

The report goes into further detail about specific production numbers for Renault. The Renault Zoe will account for at least 150,000 of the company’s 200,000 annual EVs. Renault’s other electric vehicles - Fluence, Kangoo andTwizy – will presumably account for the rest of the sales volume. Critics would suggest that both Renault andNissan are overly optimistic about EVs, but we think that the bullish approach will likely push both companies up to the front of the pack, leaving others scrambling to catch up.

AutoblogGreen

=> Report: Renault shoots for annual target of 200,000 EVs by 2016.

Renault e-autode müügisihid teada

Renault teatas Genfi automessil, et 2011 aastal veereb nende tehastest välja kuni 40 000 e-autot.

Mandri-Euroopas käib kummaline “paneme ära 2009″ kampaania. Prantsuse autotootjad on võtnud nõuks e-autonduses sakslastest selgelt mööda tuhiseda. Kui VW, Mercedes ja BMW on võtnud üldiselt skeptilise või siis vähemalt ettevaatliku hoiaku e-autode suhtes, siis prantslastel on bravuurikust enam.

Renault plaanib tulla välja nelja erineva e-autoga: e-Kangoo, Fluence kontsepti arenduse, ühe viieukselise (Megane’i põhjal?) ja siis veel ühe väga lühikesteks sõitudeks mõeldud e-auto. 

Renault Megane

Allikas: Reuters