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Renault Zero Emission car - would you buy one?


Author Message
Written on: 20 January 2010 [13:30]
Rafterman83
Topic creator
registered since: 20.01.2010
Posts: 2
Hey People just thought I would start a discussion on Renault's new ZE range (Zero Emission).

According to there website they have developed a new fast charging socket that will recharge the batteries in 20 to 30 minutes.

This is surely a major step forward - I was wondering whether you think that this might change your minds in relation to owning an electric car?

Here is a list of cars that might feature as a ZE edition which one would you buy ?

Twizy Z.E. Concept: pearlescent white ultra-compact and nimble 1+1 zero-emission city car, with 15kW motor (20hp) and footprint barely larger than a scooter (2.3m long, 1.13m wide and turning circle of 3m). It has a top speed of 47mph, with acceleration comparable to 125cc motorbike

Zoe Z.E. Concept: compact, four-seat super-mini for short daily journeys in urban areas. Scissor doors at the front and butterfly doors at the rear, with polyurethane gel for front and rear of car to underline its hi-tech feel and protect components against minor knocks in town. It a features 70kW motor for 100 mile range, 21″ alloy wheels and retractable rear spoiler for greater aerodynamic efficiency. Comes complete with personalisable avatar for driving information, mood lighting and futuristic ‘hydrate, detox and active scent’ climate control

Fluence Z.E. Concept: electric version of all-new, elegant five-seat Fluence saloon with range of 100 miles for family driving, ahead of production for Israeli market with Project Better Place. Boasts low-rolling resistance Michelin tires and Samsung Jet phones

Kangoo Z.E. Concept: previews electric van for fleet and commercial use with 70kW electric motor, solar roof panels and even a heated steering wheel.

Are electric cars the solution we have been looking for ?

Editor at Autoebid
Written on: 12 March 2010 [21:07]
OwningElectricCar
registered since: 16.01.2010
Posts: 31
The new Renault electric vehicles look really good. I must admit when I saw them at the Frankfurt Motor Show last September, I wasn't overly impressed - they were just another car manufacturer selling hype rather than a usable electric car, but I'm now a lot more impressed with what I'm seeing and hearing.

Here in the UK, Renault have announced they will start taking orders for the Fluence ZE, Kangoo ZE and Twizy ZE this September. I've been in the Fluence and it is a very impressive vehicle - it is going to be a success.

Especially as the purchase cost of the car is going to be comparable to the diesel version of the car. That is going to be very competitive.

Author of the book 'Owning an Electric Car' - http://www.OwningElectricCar.com
Written on: 18 March 2010 [16:31]
Franko30
Administrator
registered since: 08.09.2007
Posts: 88
Hi,

Zoe Z.E. Concept:

70 kW electric is way too much power for a compact 4 seater - even for one with a massive 1400 kg weight!

EDIT: The German Renault website states 54 kW maximum output:
http://www.renault-ze.com/de/#/de/modellpalette/zoe-ze-concept.html

Still too much

My Citysax's (980 kg empty with batteries) electric motor has 16 kW continuous output and 26 kW of peak/short term output. It is enough to get around and about with good acceleration, not slower than 60 km/h at 8-8 % hills and still 30 km/h at 22 % hills.

I guess that more than 40 kW peak output is too much = an energy wasting option for small cars like that.

Remember: We not only need to downsize in car size/weight, but also in top speed and aggressiveness (= acceleration).

Oh, BTW:

The German Website features a counter with the days until sales start: 742 days as of today.

Too long!

Cheers

Franko30


[This article was edited 2 times, at last 18.03.2010 at 16:55.]

Mitsubishi i-MiEV + Citysax 002, davor/formerly Twike 808 and 891
http://images.spritmonitor.de/452209_5.png
Written on: 06 May 2011 [06:16]
new-electric-cars
registered since: 05.05.2011
Posts: 3
Think Renault is doing a very good job with their electric cars.
Especially the Twizy:
http://newelectriccars.wordpress.com/electric-concept-cars-2/renault-twizy
Cheap, light, and fun to drive!

Moderator edited this post to make the link work
Written on: 21 September 2011 [07:28]
teddybeaver
registered since: 21.09.2011
Posts: 1
The concept of electric car is really good. It helps in reducing the pollution. The automotive companies should give support by producing more such cars.

Written on: 26 November 2011 [15:00]
RaviAuto
registered since: 26.11.2011
Posts: 1
Thanks for share the information....
Written on: 29 November 2011 [11:05]
ak28it
registered since: 19.11.2011
Posts: 16
Re-Charge in 20 -30 minutes? How many amps would that require? 250 - 300?
Whose home has electric service at those levels?

There are newer homes with 200 amp service. Any of them with a single cable to carry 200 amps? No.
Doesn't matter how they connect the car to the charging supply (Fast Charging Socket) you still need to be able to supply the current.

Maybe commercial charging stations might be able to offer that much current but not at your average home.


NICK



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