Renault's electric future unveiled
* Kangoo be bop Z.E. revealed * All-electric, with 62-mile range * Showcase for future electric models...
Renault has unveiled a new concept car that gives a pointer to its future electric models.
The Kangoo be bop Z.E. (Zero Emission) is entirely electric-powered and Renault says the technology is close to what will be used in its production electric vehicles that are expected to arrive in 2011.
Visual changes over the standard Kangoo be bop include 'Energy Blue' paintwork, along with reduced ground clearance and special wheel covers that cut aerodynamic drag.
There is also low-energy LED front and rear lighting, along with displays on the outside of the car to indicate how much battery power is left.
The 59bhp electric motor is powered by lithium ion batteries that Renault says will provide a range of up to 100km (62 miles). It also expects the batteries to deliver between 80 and 100% of their full capacity for six years.
A conventional charge using a 220V mains supply takes six to eight hours, but Renault says that a 'quick charge', using a 400V supply will give up to 80% battery capacity in around 30 minutes.
Renault says that it will start marketing all-electric models in 2011, beginning with a family saloon in Israel and a utility version of the Kangoo in Europe. Two more vehicles are then scheduled to be launched in 2012.
