Aware of the impact that motor vehicles can have on the environment over their complete life cycle, Renault has been working actively for many years to achieve ongoing improvements regarding the ecological footprint of a vehicle at every phase of its life (production, on-road use, recycling). As demonstrated by its Renault eco² programme in favour of the environment, Renault believes it is essential to ensure that the most effective technologies are available to as many motorists as possible at an affordable price. Electric vehicles represent a clean-break solution aimed at making CO₂ emissions-free mobility in use, except wear parts, available to all. I

Renault Fluence Z.E. pictures :

• Renault Fluence Z.E. Renault Fluence Z.E.
• Renault Fluence Z.E. Renault Fluence Z.E.
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• Renault Fluence Z.E. Renault Fluence Z.E.
• Renault Fluence Z.E. Renault Fluence Z.E.
• Renault Fluence Z.E. Renault Fluence Z.E.
• Renault Fluence Z.E. Renault Fluence Z.E.
• Renault Fluence Z.E. Renault Fluence Z.E.
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In its bid to become the number one low CO₂ European carmaker, Renault is working on two main fronts:

• the introduction of new technologies for internal combustion engines and transmissions,
• and an unprecedented commitment to all-electric vehicles.

Renault estimates that electric vehicles will account for 10 per cent of the world market by 2020. The 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

RENAULT FLUENCE Z.E.
Following Fluence Z.E. Concept’s unveiling at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, Renault has taken the wraps off the finalised design of Fluence Z.E. which is due to go on sale in Israel, Denmark and the rest of Europe from 2011. As the C segment's first production saloon electric vehicle, Fluence Z.E. targets motorists and fleet operators who are looking for a status-enhancing vehicle that is both economical to run and respectful of the environment.

An innovative business model
Renault's objective is to make electric vehicle technology available to as many road users as possible. To this end, Renault will introduce a range of innovative ownership formulae.

For the first time, the vehicle and the battery will belong to different owners. Customers will either buy or hire their vehicle and take out a subscription that covers the hire of the battery and the availability of new mobility services designed to facilitate the life of consumers.

Renault's aim is to market electric vehicles at prices comparable with those of a diesel-powered car of an equivalent size and equipment level. The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of electric vehicles will be similar to that of internal combustion-engined vehicles from launch.

Volume forecasts
Renault and Better Place have committed to providing the Israeli and Danish markets with 100,000 Fluences between now and 2016. In 2011, Fluence will be imported and distributed in Israel by Better Place. In Denmark, the latter will suggest that customers buy their car from a Renault dealership.

Renault's electric vehicle production strategy
Renault will manufacture its first four zero-emission* vehicles in four different factories, with production beginning in 2011.

Renault will make the vehicle previewed by Zoe Z.E. Concept in Flins, near Paris, while the electric versions of Kangoo Van will be manufactured in Maubeuge, in northern France. The car derived from the Twizy Z.E. Concept concept car will be produced at the Valladolid factory in Spain. Last but not least, electric versions of Fluence will be made in Bursa, Turkey.

This will permit Renault to supply Western Europe with zero-emission* vehicles on a large scale thanks to the location of production plants as near as possible to the market. This will also allow Renault to benefit from the expertise of these factories with regard to productivity and quality.

The Renault-Nissan Alliance's battery production strategy
Battery production will become one of the Renault-Nissan Alliance's core activities. Renault and Nissan will produce lithium-ion batteries on three continents – America, Asia and Europe – in order to supply the assembly plants for the forthcoming EVs from a local source.

Batteries will initially be purchased from the Nissan-NEC joint venture AESC and imported from Japan. Factories will then gradually be established as close as possible to the vehicle production facilities.

Battery production facilities are currently under development in:

• Flins (France),
• Sunderland (UK),
• Cacia (Portugal),
• Smyrna (Tennessee, USA),
• Zama (Japan).

This multi-localisation will lead to secure supplies and lower logistical costs, while also permitting higher production volumes. Thanks to this arrangement, the Alliance will eventually be capable of producing 475,000 batteries yearly.

RENAULT FLUENCE Z.E.

Following the unveiling of Fluence Z.E. Concept at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, Renault has taken the wraps off the finalized design of Fluence Z.E. which is due to go on sale in Europe and Israel from 2011. As the C segment's first production saloon electric vehicle, Fluence Z.E. targets motorists and fleet operators who are looking for a status-enhancing vehicle that is both economical to run and respectful of the environment.

Fluence Z.E. will be manufactured at the OYAK-Renault factory in Bursa, Turkey, on the same production line as the internal combustion engine-powered versions of Fluence. Production is due to begin in the first half of 2011.

Immediately identifiable
As the compact segment's first saloon electric vehicle, it was imperative that Renault 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. 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.

Renault 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. This design encases the rear screen in a way that recalls the rear-end styling of prestigious sports coupés, while a gloss black trim at the bottom of the screen emphasises the rear's harmonious proportions. The design of the rear lights, which extend forward either side of the car, also contributes to the overall balance of Renault 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 Renault Fluence Z.E.'s uniquely expressive looks, as do the boot lid's blue-hued panel and the Fluence Z.E. badge. Last but not least, 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.

A spacious, status-enhancing vehicle
Renault 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.

Renault 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 decorative trim of the uncluttered dashboard is picked out in a colour that is exclusive to the model, while 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.

Renault 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 thanks to its low running costs.

Technology
Renault Fluence Z.E. is an entirely electric vehicle.

• Motor
  Fluence Z.E. is powered by a synchronous electric motor with rotor coil. Peak power is 70kW at 11,000rpm, while maximum torque is 226Nm. The weight of the motor – excluding peripherals – is 160kg. Acceleration performance is crisp and linear, with maximum torque available very early on.
• Battery
  The capacity of Renault Fluence Z.E.'s lithium-ion battery is 22kW/h. The battery itself tips the scales at 250kg and is located behind the rear seats in order to free up a boot volume of 300dm³ (VDA/ISO). An energy recovery system enables the battery to be charged when the car decelerates.
• Battery charging methods
  It will be possible to charge the battery of Fluence Z.E. in one of three ways:
  
  
  • Via a household mains supply (10A or 16A, 220V) which will fully charge the battery in between six and eight hours. This method is particularly suited to vehicles which are charged during the workday or at night, since it permits owners to benefit from the off-peak rates available in certain countries.
  • At fast charge stations using a 32A 400V supply which enables the battery to be charged in approximately 30 minutes(available from 2012).
  • The QuickDrop battery switch system will enable Fluence Z.E.'s battery to be swapped in approximately three minutes at bespoke battery exchange stations.
• Chassis
  In order to adapt the ride to Fluence Z.E.'s specific characteristics (dimensions, weight distribution), the suspension has revised settings compared with the layout seen on internal combustion-engined versions of Fluence. The front suspension setting is softer, since electric motors are lighter than all the internal combustion engines available for Fluence. Meanwhile, the rear suspension has been revised to cope with the heavier weight due to the presence of the battery.
• Tyres
  Fluence Z.E. runs on low rolling resistance tyres. The Goodyear-developed EfficientGrip enables lower energy consumption thanks to extensive work on tyre casings and sidewalls. The tread is identical to that of a conventional tyre in order to ensure high-performance road holding and braking.
• Dialled-in safety
  The ABS and ESC electronic driving aids have been recalibrated. On the passive safety front, Fluence Z.E.'s body structure has been strengthened in order to deliver the same high standard of safety performance as the shorter and consequently lighter internal combustion-engined version.
• Production
  Renault 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 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.

TECHNICAL DATA – RENAULT FLUENCE Z.E.