The first arrivals from Renault?s Z.E. electric cars family with lithium ion batteries are nearly here

The stylish five-seater, the UK’s most affordable electric car with lithium ion batteries, will be taking pride of place on the French marque’s stand with Kangoo Van Z.E. during the four-day eco motoring festival. Renault will be offering test drives around the dedicated show circuit in the shadow of the former power station in two Fluence Z.E. and one Kangoo Van Z.E. There will also be two further Kangoos on static display, with a team of Renault EV specialists on hand to answer any questions about enjoying the cost and eco-living benefits of running electric vehicles.

The Fluence Z.E. is a four-door saloon that goes on sale in the UK during the first half of 2012, priced from only £17,850 on-the-road after the deduction of the £5,000 Plug-In Car Grant. Renault’s innovative battery hire model via RCI Financial Services, which for Fluence Z.E. costs from £69.60 per month including VAT (based on 6,000 miles per year and a 3 year agreement), also removes any concerns about battery longevity and replacement cost.

Combining the comfort, safety, style and practicality of a traditional saloon, with the low running costs of an electric vehicle, Fluence Z.E. is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It also comes well-equipped with 16” alloys, auto lights and wipers, climate control, cruise control, ecoMeter and Carminat TomTom smart satellite navigation. Unlike electric cars of old, it’s also quiet, smooth and refined to drive, with excellent performance from its 70kW (95hp) motor, with 226Nm torque and a range of up to 115 miles.

Joining Fluence Z.E. will be Renault’s Kangoo Van Z.E., the world’s first electric van with lithium ion batteries produced by a mass-market manufacturer. The affordable business tool is available in two-seat Kangoo Van and Maxi guise, or five-seat Crew Van, priced from only £16,990 excluding VAT. Monthly battery hire starts at £62 per month based on 9,000 miles per year and a four-year agreement.

Designed for businesses doing every type of collection or delivery journey, whether it be rural, suburban or inner city, it offers the same carrying capacity (ranging from 3 to 3.5m3), payload (650kg) and high standard of comfort as its equivalent internal-combustion-engined versions.

Information on Renault’s other two electric vehicles launching next year – the unique two-seat Twizy and chic ZOE supermini, will also be available.

Andy Heiron, Renault UK’s Head of Electric Vehicles, said, “Renault is the only manufacturer to offer a full range of affordable electric vehicles. With our first Z.E. due to hit the UK’s roads in a matter of weeks, we’re delighted to be showing off two of the family at EcoVelocity, so that people can see, touch and drive what we believe is the start of a new era in motoring.

“We’re sure that everyone who gets behind the wheel will agree with many motoring journalists and industry experts who have rated the performance, space and lack of noise very highly on both models.”

www.renault-ze.com