Frankfurt green news: Renault Fluence Z.E. Concept
Renault is not just showing the world that it's ready to sell an electric family car in the Fluence, it's also demonstrating that electric vehicles don't have to be time consuming to charge up.
What's all the fuss about?
The Fluence will be on sale in 2011, so this is a serious player in the electric car market. On top of that, the Fluence uses a lithium ion battery that helps extend its usable range. It can also be charged up in just 20 minutes to get you on your way, though a full charge takes four hours. Another innovation is Renault's Quickdrop system, where the battery can be removed and replaced with a fully charged one in just three minutes.
What makes it so green?
As an electric vehicle, the Fluence creates no carbon dioxide emissions or other harmful gases as it drives along. The rapid charging system and Quickdrop battery system also mean the Fluence spends less time hooked up to the mains, so it uses less electricity to travel the same distance as some other electric vehicles, meaning that it's kinder to the environment.
When can I buy one?
2011 is when the Fluence hits the road. Renault is working with European governments to increase the number of charging points located around cities and other parts of the country to help the Fluence be a realistic alternative to a petrol- or diesel-powered car. No word on prices yet, but Renault is also hoping the proposed £5,000 grant for electric vehicle buyers in the UK will be introduced.
Frankfurt green news: Renault Fluence Z.E. Concept pictures
