FRANKFURT, Germany — Renault has unveiled no fewer than four pure electric concept vehicles at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show. Three of them will go on sale in 2011 in production form that will be close to the concepts in appearance, with the fourth coming in early 2012.
Most dramatic and radical is the Twizy, a tandem two-seat city car with a top speed of 47 mph. It's only 44.6 inches wide and weighs just 926 pounds. Its wheels are enclosed within octagonal covers, and the car has a reduced frontal area; both features are meant to improve aerodynamics. The enclosed wheels give the Twizy the impression of gliding along. Its 20-horsepower electric motor is claimed to provide the performance of a 125cc motorbike and offers 52 pound-feet of torque for a brisk getaway. The Twizy has a 60-mile range and can be fully recharged from a 220-volt supply in 3.5 hours.
The Zoe Z.E. Concept is a compact four-seat supermini intended for short urban journeys. Its 95-hp motor and lithium-ion battery pack allow a range of 100 miles, while unusually narrow, big-diameter 21-inch wheels reduce its frontal area. A rear spoiler deploys at 56 mph to cut drag. The Zoe Z.E.'s coefficient of drag is 0.25, and top speed is 87 mph. Acceleration should be brisk with 166 lb-ft of torque to call on. Inside, an avatar provides information from a screen on traffic conditions, route and remaining range.
The Fluence is an elegant five-place sedan, also with a 100-mile range. Its motor also provides 95 hp and 166 lb-ft of torque, but no top speed is claimed and no weight is revealed. Although the show Fluence features many concept flourishes, this is essentially how the production version will look.
The previously seen Kangoo Z.E. will be Renault's electric delivery van, featuring the same 95-hp drivetrain and offering a 100-mile range and 81-mph top speed.
The Fluence, Kangoo and Twizy all roll out in 2011 in that order. The sedan comes in the spring, while the Zoe is slated for early 2012. All four will cost the equivalent of a comparable diesel model except for the battery, which will be leased, so owners won't be saddled with outmoded battery technology. By 2020, Renault estimates, these cars will have a 404-mile range.
There are three methods of recharging the Renault EVs. Plug into a domestic European 220-volt supply and a full recharge takes between 4 and 8 hours, while a 400-volt three-phase quick charge takes 20 minutes for an 80 percent recharge. Most radical, however, is a battery quick-drop plan in which the driver can exchange power packs at a robotized facility in 3 minutes. Renault aims to encourage a network of recharging facilities with a franchise system.
Inside Line says: Bold, radical and risky, these electric Renaults could rejuvenate the company while they help speed electric cars to market. — Richard Bremner, Correspondent
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