France: Renault introduces Kangoo be bop Z.E. electric vehicle

The technology featured on this vehicle is very similar to that featured on Renault's upcoming production electric vehicles which are currently under development.

OneShift Editorial Team

11 May 2009

[B]Functional styling[/B]

The Kangoo be bop Z.E. is derived from the production Kangoo be bop and is instantly recognizable by its Energy Blue body colour, while the Renault logos on the grille and wheels are picked out in satin-finish blue-hued chrome.

The interior features satin-finish chrome and metallic acidic green trim ensure a unique ambience which is further expressed by the specific grey velour upholstery and embroidered 'printed circuit' motifs.

Like the Z.E. Concept concept car which was unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, the Kangoo be bop Z.E. is equipped with low-energy LED (light-emitting diodes) front and rear lighting with a view to optimizing energy use.

The car's aerodynamics have been significantly reworked in order to reduce energy consumption. Kangoo be bop Z.E. sits on 18-inch full disc wheels, and its ground clearance has been lowered by 20mm compared with that of the production Kangoo be bop.

Linear displays on the outside of Kangoo be bop Z.E.'s doors show how much charge is left in the battery by simply activating the remote central locking control. Another gauge to the left of the instrument panel provides the driver with a permanent indication of how much battery charge remains.

[B]Powered by an all-electric motor[/B]

The be bop Z.E. is an all-electric zero emission (in road use) vehicle. It is powered by a 60hp electric motor which revs to 12,000rpm and boasts a 90 percent greater efficiency compared to an internal combustion engine.

The be bop Z.E.'s electric motor is coupled to a reducer which replaces the gearbox traditionally mated to heat engines. This reducer has a single, constant output ratio. Electrical energy is transmitted to the motor by a power electronics unit which incorporates the controller that delivers the required amount of energy to the rotor.

[B]Equipped with latest-generation lithium-ion batteries[/B]

Kangoo be bop Z.E. is equipped with compact, innovative lithium-ion batteries produced by AESC (Automotive Electric Supply Corporation), a Nissan-NEC joint venture which was founded in April 2007. The performance of these batteries compared with former-generation nickel metal hydride batteries is superior in every domain, including performance, reliability, safety and efficiency.

Lithium-ion batteries do not suffer from the so-called memory effect which results from incomplete charge cycles, ultimately leading to a fall in capacity. The AESC battery is expected to deliver between 80 and 100 per cent of its original capacity for a duration of six years.

A year and a half ahead of the launch of Renault's production electric vehicles, the 15kWh battery of the Kangoo be bop Z.E. prototype delivers a range of approximately 100km. When released, Renault electric vehicles will profit from an evolution to their battery technology which will take their real-world range to 160km.

The lithium-ion batteries are recyclable and the Renault-Nissan Alliance is actively working on establishing recycling processes and infrastructures adapted to automotive batteries.

[B]Charging[/B]

The Kangoo be bop Z.E. is charged via a Marechal-type socket located behind a flap at the front of the vehicle alongside the right-hand headlamp. The other end of the cable is fitted with a normal plug which connects to the mains supply.

[U]This plug permits two different battery-charging modes:[/U]

[I]* a conventional charge via a household mains supply (10A or 16A 220V) which can charge the vehicle in a timescale of between six to eight hours.

* a so-called quick charge using a 32A 400V three phase socket, enabling up to 80 per cent of Kangoo be bop Z.E.'s capacity to be charged in approximately 30 minutes.[/I]

According to Renault, the Kangoo be bop Z.E. will embark on a Europe-wide tour in July, during which it will be available for test drives.

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