Renault reveals zero emission prototype

In July this year Renault will send a new zero emission prototype on a European tour to garner opinion and spread the word that electric cars are cool - and they're coming sooner than you think.

The Kangoo be bop Z.E. (Zero Emissions) is based closely on the funky three-door Renault MPV and also on the concept version shown earlier this year at the Geneva Show. The prototype features myriad distinguishing features, including low-energy LED lights and a package of aerodynamic tweaks designed to reduce the car's drag. These changes include smooth 18-inch 'disc' wheels and a 20mm lower ride height.

If you didn't spot that lot - or the fancy paintjob - perhaps you'll have noticed the panel next to the headlight that hides the plug-in point, or the battery charge indicator on the outside of the doors that light up when the driver opens the car using the remote central locking.

Inside, there's a unique combination of satin-finish chrome and acid green trim with grey velour upholstery and cheesy 'printed circuit' motifs. Despite all that, the prototype retains its versatile four-seat layout, with no loss in luggage space.

That's thanks to the utilisation of the latest generation of lithium-ion batteries, which are stored under the dashboard. Power from the battery pack is fed to a 59bhp electric motor, which drives the front wheels via a reducer with a single ratio all that is required.

Renault claims a range of about 62 miles (100 kilometres) for the be bop demonstrator, but is certain, by the time the technology is being sold to the public, that will have increased to a real-world range of about 100 miles.

Charging time varies from thirty minutes to eight hours depending on the power supply used, while Renault has signed up to use a universal plug - along with about 20 other car makers - simplifying the widespread adoption of electric cars.

The be bop represents much more than a publicity stunt too, according to Renault, as it states that it'll begin marketing an all-electric saloon in Israel in 2011, followed by sales of an electric utility version of the Kangoo in Europe. In 2012 Renault will introduce what it calls two 'highly innovative vehicles' utilising electric power.

Shane O' Donoghue