Renault Fluence Z.E. Leads Electric Charge For Fleet And Family

Renault will be the first to offer Australian fleet and family car buyers a practical, feasible and viable all-electric option when the Fluence Z.E. five-seat sedan goes on sale here next year.

The Renault Fluence Z.E. (Zero Emission) is visually similar to the petrol-powered Fluence sedan launched in Australia late last year, and shares an identical interior architecture, but under the bonnet it is very different.

The Renault Fluence Z.E. is powered only by electricity stored on-board in a 48-module Lithium-ion battery mounted behind the rear seats, which can be recharged using a charge spot installed at home or work (6-8 hours for a full charge) or at a Better Place battery switch station where a depleted battery is exchanged for a fully charged one in less than four minutes.

The battery drives an advanced electric synchronous motor, which produces 70kW at 11,000rpm. Maximum torque is 226Nm. An energy recovery system enables the car to charge the battery under braking or deceleration. As with all electric motors, maximum torque is available almost instantly, giving the car excellent acceleration characteristics that are linear and satisfying. Top speed is electronically limited to 135km/h.

The electric motor is all but silent when running and, blessed with an almost perfect 50/50 weight distribution; the Renault Fluence Z.E. boasts neutral handling and exceptional ride comfort.

The Renault Fluence Z.E. runs on low rolling resistance Goodyear EfficientGrip tyres, which have special casings and sidewalls to help extend the driving range. The tread pattern is identical to that of a conventional tyre in order to ensure high-performance road holding and braking.

Compared with the petrol-powered Renault Fluence sedan, the 4748mm long Fluence Z.E. is 130mm longer to accommodate the battery, while the front and rear styling has been modified to provide enhanced cooling and aerodynamic efficiency, as well as present some visual differentiation and Z.E. identity.

Behind the wheel, drivers will notice the rev-counter is replaced by a gauge showing remaining range and battery charge, and a centre console display identifies the selected transmission mode: ‘forward’, ‘reverse’, ‘neutral’ and ‘parking’.

An ‘econo-meter’ uses a new colour-coded system to tell the driver how economically they are driving in terms of energy consumption: light blue for ‘normal’ vehicle use, dark blue for ‘optimal’ driving and red for ‘excessive’ energy consumption likely to reduce the vehicle's range.

Standard equipment will include Bluetooth telephony and automatic dual-zone climate control, plus automatic headlamp and windscreen wiper activation.

Also standard equipment is a smart Better Place designed navigation system, known as OSCAR, which not only offers traditional route guidance but can also pinpoint the closest charge spots and Battery Switch Stations. A range of 185km is promised, measured according to the NEDC industry standard for fuel efficiency, using the same methodology to measure consumption of internal combustion engine vehicles.

The Fluence Z.E. is a C segment vehicle that can comfortably accommodate a family and their luggage.

The first Renault Fluence Z.E. vehicles will arrive in Q2 2012, for select customers in Canberra. Vehicles will be available for general sale in Q4 2012 from selected Renault dealers.

Pricing and local specification will be confirmed closer to that date.