Renault's electric trio

It seems every manufacturer, large or small, has an electric dream these days - though bringing them to reality is a different story. However, Renault has unveiled details of three electric cars - all three set to appear before 2012.

An electric Kangoo and Mégane-based saloon will come, as well as a completely new city car, built from the ground up and slightly bigger than a Twingo - though still seating five. Renault also promises that the newcomer will be as stylish as it is environmentally friendly.

All three cars are set to feature as transport for the London 2012 Olympics, though the Mégane will go to Israel first as part of the scheme supported by the Government to set up a feasible electric car infrastructure. An electric Scenic MPV will go on sale there too.

The torque advantage an electric car naturally has - maximum torque is available from a standstill - means performance will be brisk, with the French firm reportedly aiming to match the performance of a 1.6-litre petrol engine.

But even when the performance benchmark is attained, building a viable charging infrastructure remains an issue. As such, Renault is planning a rapid battery exchange service, in which service points will swap the battery over for a charged one in the time it takes to refuel a normal car. This overcomes the ten hour charging time expected - and each car will be equipped with satellite navigation showing where batteries are available in real rime. Owners will also be able to charge batteries at charging points if needs must.

The battery packs in the new Renaults are expected to last no longer than five years, and each set costs £4-5,000, so Renault is working on a scheme that will allow owners to lease into a battery exchange scheme for a regular monthly payment, allowing unlimited battery swaps.

It's not perfect just yet, but it does seem that we're quietly speeding towards our electric future.

Mark Nichol