At the beginning of 2008, the Renault-Nissan Alliance has signed agreements with several states and regions (Israel, Denmark, Portugal, Japan's Kanagawa prefecture, the state of Tennessee in the USA), which will lead to the mass marketing an all-electric vehicle from 2011.

The Z.E. Concept is powered by a 70kW electric motor with torque of 226Nm, with lithium-ion batteries.

The Z.E. Concept is based on the Kangoo be bop and its dimensions (length: 3.95m, height: 1.85m) favour manoeuvrability in and about town.

This electric vehicle was designed to minimize energy consumption.

The employment of heat-reflective paint and insulating bodywork featuring large surface areas contributes to the reduction of temperature fluctuations which traditionally prompt 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, which is still the most effective insulant known today, limits variations in temperature between the exterior and the interior of the car.

The polyurethane gel bumpers can easily deform to soak up minor knocks, while pedestrians are reassured by their absorbent aspect.

Solar panels, positioned on the roof, power a temperature regulation system, so that a pleasant temperature can be maintained in the cabin, even at standstill or when parking, thus avoiding to switch on the climate control when starting the vehicle.

Meanwhile, the layout of the heating and climate control functions has been thought through to produce an efficient trade-off 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 steeringwheel, 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The conventional drag-producing exterior mirrors have been replaced by streamlined, low-energy cameras which are also powered by the roof-mounted solar panels to enhance all-round visibility, especially when manoeuvring.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 light-emitting diodes (LEDs) which are not only long lasting but also low consumers of energy.

The Z.E. Concept concept car offers motorists and passengers a pleasant, relaxing ride and this sensation is enhanced by a number of interactive communication features. For example, logos light up to signal that the vehicle recognizes its occupants as they approach.

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 redolent of a cell phone charge-indicator.

To facilitate getting around in areas where space is a premium, an electric scooter is packed into the boot and is charged via the car's own system.

To make loading easier, the rear hatch-type tailgate combines with a wide, folding sill which enables this scooter – or any other item – to be slid into the boot.

Z.E. Concept contains very few fluids that need recycling at the end of its lifecycle.

The smart navigation interfaces feature an innovative approach to reduce the energy requirements.

The MMIs (Man Machine Interfaces) 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 cell phone which connects directly to the dashboard.

Using a cell phone-based navigation system avoids the necessity for an energy-consuming onboard computer. The dashboard itself takes the form of two distinct functional units:

• a new-format minimalist display which provides specific data relating to the electric motor,
• a remotely-positioned control between the seats incorporating a touchpad to facilitate the keying in of data.

Renault Z.E. Concept - Technical Specifications

Dimensions

• Length (mm) 3,945
• Width (mm) 1,856
• Height (mm) 1,748
• Height with tailgate open (mm) 1,902
• Wheelbase (mm) 2,406
• Front track (mm) 1,572
• Rear track (mm) 1,572
• Front overhang (mm) 794
• Rear overhang (mm) 745
• Unlade weight (kg) 1,520

Powertrain and Chassis

• Power source Electric motor
• Power output Peak output: 70kW (95hp). Continuous output: 50kW
• Maximum torque 226Nm
• Battery type Lithium-ion
• Transmission Direct with front/rear reducer and inverter
• Traction Electric
• Tyres 245/35R21
• Wheels Diameter: 21"/Width: 8.5"

Partners

• D 3 - Bodywork
• Michelin - Pilot Sport PS2 tyres
• Samsung - F480 cell phone for communication with the vehicle

(Source: Renault)