Renault Releases Specifications For Fluence ZE and Is Ready For Pre-Reservations

The Sleek and Stylish Renault Fluence Z.E.










Renault is serious about the electrification of the automobile and they are putting their money where their mouth is. They estimate that electric vehicles will account for 10% of the world market by 2020. Seems a little high for only ten years down the road but we certainly hope they are right.

Here are some of the specs for the Fluence ZE:

• Fluence Z.E. is powered by a synchronous electric motor with rotor coil. Peak power is 70 kW000 rpm,000rpm, while maximum torque is 226 N·m (167 lb-ft). The weight of the motor—excluding peripherals—is 160 kg.

• The capacity of Renault Fluence Z.E.’s lithium-ion battery is 22 kWh. The battery weighs 250 g and is located behind the rear seats in order to free up a trunk volume of 300 dm³ (VDA/ISO). An energy recovery system enables the battery to be charged when the car decelerates.

• Charging is possible in one of three ways: via a household mains supply (10A or 16A, 220V) which will fully charge the battery in between six and 9 eight hours; at fast charge stations using a 32A 400V supply which enables the battery to be charged in approximately 30 minutes (available in 2012 or 2013, depending on model); and the QuickDrop battery switch system which will enable Renault Fluence Z.E.’s battery to be swapped in approximately three minutes at bespoke battery exchange stations.

• In order to adapt the ride to Renault Fluence Z.E.’s specific characteristics (dimensions, weight distribution), the suspension has revised settings compared with the layout seen oncombustion-enginedionengined versions of Fluence. The front suspension setting is softer, since electric motors are lighter than all the internal combustion engines available for Fluence. Meanwhile, the rear suspension has been revised to cope with the heavier weight due to the presence of the battery.

• Renault Fluence Z.E. runs on low rolling resistance tires. The Goodyear-developed EfficientGrip enables lower energy consumption thanks to extensive work on tire casings and sidewalls. The tread is identical to that of a conventional tire in order to ensure high-performance road holding and braking.

• The ABS and ESC electronic driving aids have been recalibrated. On the passive safety front, Renault Fluence Z.E.’s body structure has been strengthened in order to deliver the same high standard of safety performance as the shorter and consequently lighter internal combustion-engined version.

• Range is 160 km (99 miles) NEDC combined cycle. Top speed is 135 km/h (84 mph).

Production will begin in the first half of 2011. We are uncertain what a "pre-reservation" amounts to, however!