Green News: Renault details out its zero emissions strategy

Acutely aware of the importance of the stakes regarding global warming, Renault has worked for many years to reduce the CO2 emissions of its models – throughout their lifecycle – to reduce a vehicle’s ecological impact. Meanwhile, as its environmentally respectful Renault eco² policy demonstrates, Renault believes it is essential to make the most effective technologies available to as many motorists as possible, at prices they can afford.

Electric vehicles represent a clean-break solution aimed at making CO2 emissions-free mobility in road use. Renault estimates that electric vehicles will account for 10 per cent of the world market by 2020. The Renault-Nissan Alliance is investing €4 billion in its zero emissions programme and a 2,000-strong team (1,000 at Renault and 1,000 at Nissan) is already working on electric vehicles.

It was in 2008 that the Alliance announced its intention to mass market zero emission vehicles. This clean break technology is the only affordable solution involving vehicles that emit neither CO2, nor harmful particulates.

From next year, Renault will begin to introduce an unprecedented four electric vehicle range, starting with Kangoo Van Z.E. From 2012, three further models will be launched: Fluence Z.E. plus two new, all-electric models which will have their own specific, innovative designs based on the Twizy and Zoe concept cars.

This product plan will enable customers to find the type of vehicle they are looking for in Renault's electric range, since the four models – a small city car, a compact hatchback, a family saloon and an LCV – are set to cover a grand spectrum of motorists' needs.

Within the framework of its zero emissions strategy, the Renault-Nissan Alliance is working actively with governments, administrative bodies, local authorities, energy providers and other partners. To date, it has signed more than 60 agreements across the world aimed at preparing markets and establishing the necessary infrastructure for the mass marketing of electric vehicles from 2011.

These privately- and publicly-steered undertakings indicate that the necessary infrastructures and charging facilities will be operational when electric vehicles come to market.

This will consequently reassure prospective electric vehicle users that simple, practical solutions will be in place to enable them to charge their battery, both at home and by the roadside.

As the compact segment's first all-electric saloon car, it was important that Fluence Z.E. should be recognisable at first glance. To distinguish it from the internal combustion engined-version, it comes with a package of specific features and details that unmistakably associate it with Renault's electric vehicle range.

The electric version of Fluence stands at a length of 4.75 metres, which is 13 centimetres longer than its internal combustion-engined cousin in order to accommodate the battery behind the rear seats and allow a larger boot space. At the same time, the lines of its flanks have been revised in order to maintain the same overall balance as the original version.

At the front, the Renault logo, foglamp surrounds, headlamp brows and lower part of the headlamp mask are all picked out in a blue-hued colour. The upper air intake is traversed by a gloss black strip incorporating a blue chrome trim that links two similarly-finished circles situated either side of the grille. Finally, the lower air-intake incorporates a body-colour strip that runs between the two foglamps.

Fluence Z.E.'s lines are taut and fluid, while the rear quarter panels have been harmoniously extended in order to absorb the additional length resulting from the longer rear overhang. The design of the rear lights, which extend forward either side of the car, also contributes to the overall balance of Fluence Z.E.'s lines. The clusters themselves feature a pattern made up of backlit blue-hued lozenges.

Gloss black exterior mirror housings, body-colour painted side protective mouldings and the battery charge flaps on both wings add the finishing touch to Fluence Z.E.'s looks, as do the boot lid's blue-hued panel and the Fluence Z.E. badge. The rear bumper incorporates a black diffuser which is engineered to reduce aerodynamic drag, while the wheels have been specially designed to minimise turbulence. Several body colours are available, including Energy Blue, a new colour that is specific to Renault's electric vehicle range.

Fluence Z.E. is conclusive proof that electric vehicles do not have to be small, narrow and uncomfortable city cars with a limited touring ability.

The new model is the same width as the internal combustion engined-version of Fluence, and the cabin space it delivers is worthy of that of a saloon car from the next segment up, including best-in-class front and rear elbow room.

Fluence Z.E.'s interior is based on the same layout as the internal combustion-engined version. Only the rev-counter has been replaced by a bespoke instrument which displays data concerning remaining range and battery charge. The centre console includes the displays "forward", "reverse", "neutral" and "parking" which are the different positions for the transmission control lever.

Fluence Z.E. also packs a raft of useful technologies, including a built-in smart navigation system, Bluetooth telephony and automatic dual-zone climate control, plus automatic headlamp and windscreen-wiper activation.

Fluence Z.E. targets families looking for a spacious, comfortable vehicle, and total boot space amounts to 300dm3 (VDA/ISO).

The electric version of Fluence is likely to figure on the shopping list of many fleet operators and user-choosers thanks to its low running costs.

Fluence Z.E. will be manufactured at the OYAK-Renault factory in Bursa, Turkey, on the same production line as the internal combustion-engined versions of Fluence. Production will begin in the first half of 2011. This solution will enable Renault to minimise capital outlay and get production under way rapidly, while at the same time guaranteeing a very high standard of quality.

The production of Renault Fluence Z.E. at Bursa will also permit Renault to benefit from plant's outstanding performance in terms of quality, cost and delivery times, as well as from its local network of suppliers. This in turn means that the Group will be able to market this zero-emission*saloon car at prices that are as attractive as those of the internal combustion-engined versions of the model.

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