Renault has been promoting two of its electric vehicles to fleets and other users during a 7-week event underway close to Lisbon. The Fluence Z.E. (which the manufacturer points out is the world’s first 3-box all electric vehicle) and the Kangoo Z.E. van, have been put through their paces in the countryside around the Portuguese capital, taking in towns such as Cascais, Sintra and Estoril, along with Lisbon itself. Renault has set out its ambition to be the leading manufacturer in electric mobility at an affordable price. It believes that by 2020 some 10% of the market will be electric. Renault also points out that next year there will be 50,000 charging points in Europe. It recommends, however, that wall-mounted special charging points are installed by owners at home or work (or both) as this is when cars can conveniently be recharged. Where the Fluence Z.E. is concerned, Renault expects to see 70% of sales made to fleets. The car features a 70 kW (95 bhp) motor producing 226 Nm of torque from standstill. From 0-50 km/h takes some 2 seconds less than the equivalent traditionally-powered Fluence! The battery is located vertically behind the rear seats, encroaching on boot space, but still leaving a respectable luggage carrying capacity.

The Kangoo Z.E. is largely aimed at tradesmen, and in its case the battery (weighing some 250 kg) is positioned under the floor in the middle of the vehicle. This does not use any load space at all, and gives excellent road-holding and the equivalent of 60 bhp of power. The load capacity of 650 kg is the same as the diesel version.

Both vehicles have eco-systems to reduce energy use and optimise range, and the batteries are not damaged during collisions. Where battery life is concerned, the Renault system is to only rent the battery, whatever purchase method is chosen for the vehicle. In this way, battery efficiency is guaranteed as the battery is maintained and/or replaced as necessary during the life of the vehicle.

Finally, in a further ecological move, Renault asked test-drivers to collect a young tree from a local plant nursery during the drive. These trees (several hundred of them) are being given to the local Portuguese commune of Cascais to help in its reforestation project.