Renault Fluence Z.E.

Following Fluence Z.E. Concept's unveiling at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, Renault has decided to make the initial prototypes of the forthcoming Fluence Z.E. available for test drive at the Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. These prototypes represent an intermediate step between the original concept car and the production version, and the objective is to demonstrate how much the Fluence Z.E. project has progressed and how easy it is to drive an electric vehicle. These prototypes will feature in a European road show scheduled for the first half of 2010.

Fluence Z.E. will go on sale in the first half of 2011 in Israel, Denmark and the rest of Europe, and will be the C segment's first production three-box electric vehicle, as well as the world's first car to be compatible with the Quick Drop rapid battery exchange system. It is suitable for both private and fleet use and will appeal to customers looking for a status-enhancing vehicle that is both economical and ecological.

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

Fluence Z.E. is a large, three-box saloon car. Although the prototypes are of the same length as the conventionally-engined Fluence (4.62 metres), the production electric version will be longer in order to house the batteries behind the rear seats and consequently retain good boot space. The cabin is the size of that of a saloon car from the next segment up and boasts best-in-class front and rear knee room. Fluence stands out from rival three-box saloons thanks to its sweeping, fluid lines which suggest sportiness and strength.

The comfortable interior features a raft of useful technologies, including smart navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, automatic dual-zone climate control, and automatic headlamp and windscreen-wiper activation. Fluence Z.E. also innovates with the incorporation of the innovative Quick Drop rapid battery exchange system which will enable this large saloon to overcome the range-related constraints inherent in conventional electric vehicles and thereby permit longer-than-average journeys.

Fluence Z.E. targets families looking for a spacious, comfortable vehicle whilst the vehicle will be on the shopping lists of fleet operators due to lower running costs.

FLUENCE Z.E. TECHNICAL DATA (prototype of production version)