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Renault Unveils New Electric Concept Car

Renault_ze
The Z.E. Concept. Click to enlarge.

Renault has unveiled a new battery-electric concept car—the Z.E. Concept (Z.E. = Zero Emission)—at the Paris Motor Show. Based on the new Renault Kangoo be bop, the Z.E. Concept is powered by a 70 kW (95 hp) electric motor with 226 Nm (167 lb-ft) of torque and a lithium-ion battery pack.

The use of heat-reflective paint and insulating bodywork featuring large surface areas contributes to the reduction of temperature fluctuations. Traditionally this prompts the use of climate control or heating systems which are big consumers of energy. Insulation is further optimized by the use of acid green-tinted glass for the glazed areas.

The bodywork functions along the same lines as a Thermos flask. It comprises two insulating panels with a sandwich of air. This air layer limits variations in temperature between the exterior and the interior of the car.

Solar panels, positioned on the roof, power a temperature regulation system. Meanwhile, the layout of the heating and climate control functions has been designed to produce an efficient balance between performance and energy consumption. For example, the impression of heat is especially felt on the face and hands. Accordingly, if the cabin temperature is 15°C but warmth can be channelled as close as possible to key zones (a heated steering wheel, for example), the driver will feel comfortable while using less electrical energy.

The conventional drag-producing exterior mirrors have been replaced by streamlined, low-energy cameras which are also powered by the roof-mounted solar panels to enhance all-round visibility, especially when manoeuvring. The low-drag full-disc aluminium alloy wheels also improve aerodynamic performance.

The headlamps use efficient, high-performance light-emitting diodes (LEDs) which are not only long lasting but also low consumers of energy.

A linear display on the outside of the door provides a visual indication of how much range remains even before the driver gets into the vehicle. This display is reminiscent of a mobile phone charge-indicator.

Renault sees the Z.E. Concept as a link in the overall mobility chain. To facilitate getting around in areas where space is a premium, an electric scooter is packed into the rear storage area and is charged via the car’s own system. To make loading easier, the rear hatch-type tailgate combines with a wide, folding sill.

A mobile phone-based navigation system is used which avoids the necessity for an energy-consuming onboard computer. Smart navigation features are able to pinpoint the nearest car parks equipped with charging stations as a function of the remaining range. Information is relayed from the vehicle to the driver and vice-versa via a mobile phone which connects directly to the dashboard.

The Renault-Nissan Alliance has signed electric vehicle agreements with several states and regions this year (Israel, Denmark, Portugal, Japan’s Kanagawa prefecture, the US state of Tennessee).

Comments

Will S

What's the kWhr/km?

nerfer

I've been wondering when a car would come out with cameras instead of side mirrors.
Range and price would also be nice to know, but it sounds pretty cool so far.

HarveyD

Could this be one of the e-car to be used for the Israel, Denmark and Portugal projects?

Seems to be a few years ahead of others in design features.

Canada (and many areas in USA) will not be ready for limited range e-cars for many years. PHEVs may be better suited until such time as pure e-car range is extended to 500+ Km.

Henry Gibson

PHEVs should always be used. Large batteries in a vehicle that is rarely used is a waste of money.

HarveyD

@HG

Modular plug-in batteries could be an interesting solution. Buy and use as many (Ex: 1 Kwh to 4 Kwh or larger) modules as you need or you can afford for your PHEV/BEV.

One could always start with only one module and add more as price falls and/or performance increases or to meet your daily requirement. Battery plug-in trays could be built to accept 1/4, 1/2 or full format battery modules. This approach is used for complex on-board electronic modules in most aircraft. It should be relatively easy to do with standardized battery modules.

Jimb

Great.

So we know it has a heated steering wheel, but they don't tell us the range. Not a good sign.

We know it has a scooter packed in the back, but we don't know the range. Wonderful.

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