According to Renault research, 80% of all Europeans currently travel less than 60 kilometers (37 miles) per day. Athlon’s and Renault’s partnership aims at making zero-emission vehicles available to as many people as possible, starting in 2011.

As part of its CSR strategy, Athlon has developed a 5-step Sustainable Mobility Plan in which it is taking the first step to becoming a provider of mobility services. Part of the 5-step Sustainable Mobility Plan is Athlon’s development program “CHARGED” for EVs.

We have noticed a broad interest among our clients to experience and get involved in EV driving. Renault is the first OEM that will have a full range of EVs available in the near future and therefore we are happy to collaborate with and receive support from Renault. By joining efforts in our common interest in the EV demand, we aim to provide our customers with end-to-end solutions in EV driving.

—Hans Blink, President of Athlon Car Lease International

Separately, Renault said it will make a number of electric vehicle prototypes available for test drives to accredited attendees of the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen (COP 15) (previous appointment must be made). These prototypes preview the upcoming Renault Fluence ZE and Renault Kangoo Express ZE. (Earlier post.)

It will also be possible to test drive Kangoo be bop ZE, an electric demonstrator vehicle which has just completed a European road show which began in July. These vehicles feature technology which is very similar to that of the upcoming production cars which are currently being developed.

Also separately, EVSE (electric vehicle supply equipment) provider Elektromotive announced it, with its Danish roll-out partner, CleanCharge Solutions, install the first Elektrobay roadside charging stations in Copenhagen in time for COP15.