Renault Fluence ZE Concept (2009)

The vehicle's status-enhancing credentials are further emphasised by the employment of chrome trimming for the belt-line and grille, as well as by its impressive 21-inch wheels. Blue polycarbonate hubcaps seem to slot into the aluminium wheels to create a spiral form which channels the airflow and improves aerodynamic performance.

LUXURY, HARMONY AND... ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Renault Fluence ZE Concept's warmly welcoming and refined interior is based on a combination of flowing forms, the use of soft, supple materials and a mottled ambience. Passengers are comfortably seated in four enveloping seats robed in light leather upholstery. The feet rest on a light blue translucent gel mat, while the brake and accelerator pedals, too, are covered in gel for a greater sense of comfort. When the doors open, the courtesy lighting recalls the luminous blue signature of Renault's electric vehicle range.

The technology used for the dashboard is sophisticated and intuitive. A TFT (Thin Film Transistor) touchscreen displays multimedia information and essential journey-related information such as the navigation function and the location of the nearest 'Quickdrop' station. The display also provides data specific to electric vehicles, such as range optimization information, for example.

The centre console incorporates two floating armrests and forms a fluid, rearward-flowing arc. At the front, the integrated central front armrest includes the stop/start button, the air-conditioning and volume controls, as well as the new touchscreen Samsung Jet phone. This phone comes with a hands-free function, and also enables occupants to listen to music or enjoy a film on the screens which have been built into the front seatbacks. The central rear armrest incorporates the climate control and volume controls, plus another Samsung Jet telephone and two remote controls for the two screens.

Significant care has also gone into the design of the door panels: the door handles echo the rounded form of the centre console and the electric window controls are flush with the surface, while the viewing screen for the rear-view cameras is integrated discreetly yet effectively.

Renault Fluence ZE Concept is not respectful of the environment simply because it runs on electricity. Indeed, the entire car has been thought through to optimize energy use:

• the photovoltaic cells meet part of the car's energy requirements with a view to complementing the power supplied by the battery,
• the headlights use high-performance electroluminescent diodes which deliver an excellent trade-off between efficiency and energy consumption,
• the triple-zone climate control system allows occupants to achieve just the right settings for the two seats at the front and at the rear. The air vents also feature a dynamic lighting code, with blue representing the passage of cold air and red representing warm air,
• the car's aerodynamics have been meticulously honed to minimize drag, including streamlined rear-view mirrors with integrated rearward facing cameras, a completely enclosed underside incorporating a diffuser at the rear, and spiral-form wheel rims,
• Renault Fluence ZE Concept runs on low rolling resistance Michelin tyres.

Renault Fluence ZE Concept is powered exclusively by an electric motor located near the front axle, in conjunction with a lithium-ion battery positioned between the rear seats and the boot. Renault's designers and engineers worked closely together to develop a safe, practical vehicle capable of accommodating a large enough battery to ensure good range (160km), while also providing sufficient carrying capacity to cater for the requirements of an active family (327dm3).

THREE BATTERY-CHARGING TECHNIQUES

The driver has three options when it comes to 'filling up' on energy:

• A standard charge: takes between four and eight hours, via a charging socket situated on the outside of the vehicle.
• A quick charge: in 20 minutes, using the same socket at specific charging points.
• The exclusive 'Quickdrop' system: three minutes at a rapid battery exchange station.

Renault Fluence ZE Concept provides a foretaste of the forthcoming electric version of Renault Fluence, and represents a solution to zero-emission motoring in the world of tomorrow.

TECHNICAL DATA

• MOTOR
  • Type: Electric
  • Transmission type: Direct drive with forward/reverse inverter
  • Maximum power: 70 kW (95 hp)
  • Maximum torque: 226 Nm
• BATTERY
  • Type: Lithium-ion
  • Range : 160 km
• STEERING
  • Power steering
  • Electric variable-rate powersteering
• DIMENSIONS
  • Rims: 21"
  • Length: 4,820 mm
  • Width: 1,882 mm
  • Height: 1,520 mm
  • Wheelbase: 2,696 mm
  • Front/rear track: 1,672/1,672 mm
  • Front/rear overhang: 996/1,135 mm
  • Unladen weight: 1,600 kg
  • Tyres: 175/55 R21
  • Boot volume (VDA): 327 dm3
• PARTNERS
  • Body: Protostyle
  • Tyres: Michelin
  • Sealing: Rehau
  • LED lighting: Osram