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23/06/2011
REVIEW by EWAN KENNEDY
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Renault and Nissan have had a close relationship since the last few years of the 20th century. As well as designing conventional vehicles the French and Japanese marques are working as partners in the field of electric vehicles. Sensibly, the two giant automakers are taking different directions in EVs so they can cover as much research ground as possible.
Two weeks ago we reported on the Nissan Leaf EV, claimed to be the first mass-production car built as an electric vehicle rather than being modified from an existing petrol or diesel car.
Renault has just announced that it will be importing an electric version of its Fluence four-door sedan to Australia in the second half of next year. Called the Fluence Z.E. (Zero Emission) it will go on sale to what Renault Australia describes as “select Canberra customers” in the third quarter of 2012 and on general sale in the fourth quarter.
Unlike the Nissan Leaf, the Fluence is an adoption of the existing Fluence sedan.
Prices and specifications have yet to be set, but Renault says to it wants to ensure, “… the most effective Zero Emission technologies are available to as many motorists as possible at an affordable price.”
Renault in Australia has signed an agreement with Better Place. That company specialises in global electric car charging networks and will provide the charging and infrastructure networks and services. Interestingly this will include not only conventional battery charging facilities, but also battery switch stations. The latter will let you swap a discharged battery in your Renault Fluence Z.E. for a fully-charged one in a matter of minutes.
The ability to change batteries takes away all fears of limited driving range. However, Renault Australia managing director, Justin Hocevar, quotes figures from the ABS (Australian Bureau of Statistics), showing that 95 per cent of Australian car trips are less than 120 kilometres. So charging at home, the office, shopping centres and so on will give more than enough range for almost everyone using an EV.
Hocevar went on to say, “We are excited to be announcing our agreement with Better Place, making Australia the third country in the world to bring the Better Place concept to life, after Israel and Denmark.
“Electric cars themselves are only half of the equation – keeping them charged and on the road is the other half. Better Place will provide the comprehensive electric car charging infrastructure that is a crucial part of enabling us to bring electric cars to Australia.
Critics of electric cars point to the fact that electricity in Australia is mainly generated by coal fired power stations. While this is true it should be pointed out that electric motors are significantly more efficient than petrol or diesel engines. So everything else being equal, electric cars will result in substantially less overall production of CO2.
At this stage we haven’t had a chance to drive, or even view a Renault Fluence Z.E. in the metal, but will do so as soon as possible and publish our verdict. |
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