* Kangoo Z.E. Concept is based on Renault Kangoo and brings zero-emission mobility to the professional road-user.
* Kangoo Z.E. Concept is powered by a 70kW electric motor which delivers 226Nm of torque, in conjunction with a lithium-ion battery. Energy consumption is minimized thanks not only to the careful attention that has been paid to its overall design, but also to the energy optimization solutions it features, without the necessary high standard of comfort suffering in any way.
* Kangoo Z.E. Concept's many information functions make it a particularly user-friendly, efficient and interactive vehicle.

AN URBAN AND SUBURBAN CALLING

Kangoo Z.E. Concept's dimensions (length 3.95m, height: 1.85m) ensure that it is perfectly nimble and manoeuvrable in and about town. Its high torque (226Nm) is instantly available to ensure responsive acceleration performance in built-up areas.

ZERO-EMISSION MOBILITY, TOO, FOR THE PROFESSIONAL ROAD-USER

The Kangoo Z.E. Concept provides a foretaste of what mobility promises to resemble in the future for urban-based transporter and delivery companies, while at the same time carrying over the same acclaimed strengths as Kangoo when it comes to travelling comfort, space and safety performance. To facilitate loading, the hatch-type rear door and wide, folding sill ensures that parcels and other types of loads are easy to slide into the boot.

DESIGNED TO OPTIMIZE ENERGY CONSUMPTION

The design of Kangoo Z.E. Concept has been thought through in keeping with its mission as an electric vehicle which needs to minimize energy consumption, yet without losing sight of the need for modern comfort-related refinements.

The use of heat-reflective paint and bodywork featuring large surface areas reduces temperature fluctuations. Indeed, the bodywork functions along the same lines as a Thermos flask and comprises two insulating panels with a sandwich of air in between. This air, which is still the most effective insulant known today, serves to moderate temperature extremes between the exterior and the interior of the car. Thermal insulation is further optimized thanks to special treatment of the glazed surfaces, meaning that less call is made of the climate control and heating systems which are big consumers of energy.

Solar panels positioned on the roof are employed to power a temperature regulation system inside the car. Keeping the cabin cool uses a significant amount of energy, but this system also permits a pleasant temperature to be maintained inside the cabin, even at a standstill or when parking, and avoids having to put the climate control system on boost when first getting in the car on a hot day.

The entire layout of the heating and climate control systems has been developed to achieve a particularly efficient trade-off between performance and energy consumption. For example, the impression of heat is especially felt by the face and hands. Accordingly, if the cabin temperature is, say, 15 C, warmth is channelled as close as possible to these more sensitive zones (in the form of a heated steeringwheel, for example) in order to ensure that the driver feels comfortable, while using less electrical energy.

The conventional drag-producing exterior mirrors have been replaced by streamlined, low-energy cameras which are powered by the roof-mounted solar panels. These cameras provide improved allround visibility, which is especially practical when manoeuvring. The full-disc aluminium alloy wheels produce less drag, too, while the headlights use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) which are not only longlasting but also low consumers of energy.

INTERACTIVE AND USER-FRIENDLY

The Kangoo Z.E. Concept enables the driver to communicate with the vehicle with a view to profiting fully from its technology. For example, logos light up to signal that the vehicle recognizes occupants as they approach.

As a socially responsible car, it is also equipped with polyurethane gel bumpers which deform easily to soak up minor knocks, while customers and pedestrians are reassured by their absorbent aspect.

A linear display on the outside of the door provides an indication of how much range remains even before the driver gets inside the vehicle. This lit display can be likened to the charge indicator of a cell phone. Innovative navigation system interfaces also contribute to intelligent management of the vehicle's energy requirements.

The idea is to simplify journeys with a view to using as little energy as possible. The Man Machine Interfaces (MMI) inside the car have been designed to provide information concerning the location of the nearest car park or charge station as a function of how much range remains. The car not only warns and calculates, but it also thinks ahead. Information is communicated to the driver via a cell phone which slots into the dashboard.

Using this cell-phone for the navigation function avoids having to run an energy-consuming in-car computer.

The dashboard itself is divided into distinct functional units which incorporate:

* a new-format minimalist display providing data specifically relating to the electric motor.
* a remotely-positioned control between the seats incorporating a touchpad to facilitate the keying in of data.

Kangoo Z.E. Concept provides a foretaste of the user-friendly, practical and efficient Renault electric utility vehicle of the future.

TWO BATTERY-CHARGING TECHNIQUES

The driver has two 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 bespoke charge stations.

TECHNICAL DATA

Motor Electric

Maximum power EEC (kW/hp) 70/95

Maximum revs (rpm) 12,000

Maximum torque EEC (Nm) 226

Drive train Electric

Batteries Lithium-ion

Tyres 245/35 R21

DIMENSIONS

Length (mm) 3,945

Width (mm) 1,856

Unladen height (mm) 1,748

Height with hatch open (mm) 1,902

Wheelbase (mm) 2,406

Front/rear track (mm) 1,572/1,572

Front/rear overhang (mm) 794/745

Weight (kg) 1,520

PERFORMANCE

Range (km) 160

Top speed (kph) capped electronically 130

PARTNERS

Bodywork D 3

Pilot Sport PS2 tyres Michelin

Samsung F480 cell phone for

communicating with the vehicle

Samsung

AN ECONOMICAL AND ECOLOGICAL SOLUTION

Zoe Z.E. Concept targets motorists who own more than one car and who are looking for a compact,versatile vehicle capable of meeting their varied day-to-day needs, such as the school or work run, or shopping trips. Zoe Z.E. Concept is an all-electric, zero-emission vehicle which reconciles motoring with the environmental aspirations of customers looking for a vehicle with the best possible ecological footprint.

SLEEK STYLING

Zoe Z.E. Concept invites its occupants to enjoy familiar pleasures. Using cutting-edge electric-vehicle technology, Zoe Z.E. Concept is proof that a zero-emission vehicle can also possess a dynamic, edgy, attractive design which immediately points to driving enjoyment. Aerodynamics have a significant influence on the performance of a zero-emission vehicle and, in the case of the Zoe Z.E. Concept project, the overriding concerns regarding design were elegance and efficiency. Zoe Z.E. Concept is just 4.10m long and is powered by a 70kW electric motor which develops 226Nm of torque. It is easy to imagine the vehicle making its way silently through traffic in built-up areas. The large 21-inch wheels and large body panels are reassuring touches that give the four occupants complete peace of mind when travelling out of town. At the rear, a retractable spoiler deploys at speeds in excess of 90kph to make a further contribution to Zoe Z.E. Concept's aerodynamic efficiency. This LED-equipped spoiler also serves as a brake light, as does the integrated light in the shark's fin-type aerial on the roof.

The exterior design of Zoe Z.E. Concept incorporates technologies aimed at reasserting its 'zero-emission' credentials:

* The roof has been designed as an intelligent protective membrane that insulates the occupants from heat and cold, as well as optimizing climate control performance by recovering energy via its honeycomb photovoltaic cells.
* At front and rear, a shield of polyurethane gel protects the lights which feature energy-efficient electroluminescent diodes that emit a blue-tinted light. This second skin protects vulnerable components from small knocks in town, while underlining this electric concept car's hi-tech feel.
* The air intakes situated either side of the car channel airflow to cool the batteries. The air is extracted through two large rear channels through which it is possible to glimpse the streamlined suspension arms.
* Rearward vision is handled by two small, profiled, energy-efficient cameras which transmit images to the interior rear view mirror, giving the driver perfect visibility without blind spots.
* The front features scissor doors, while rear access is through butterfly-style doors. The clever and original design of the rear doors means they also double up as openings for the boot, allowing carrying space to be accessed from the side, from the pavement, for example.

AN INTERIOR DESIGNED TO PROFIT FULLY FROM THE SILENT RIDE

The form of the front seat cushions resembles that of an asymmetric pebble, while the seatbacks are attached to the roof. At the rear, the seats can be folded flat with a view to obtaining additional carrying capacity. The dashboard contributes to the interior's uncluttered feel. It is covered with an intelligent, minerallike membrane and the lightest of touches calls up a range of touchscreen controls. The wide TFT (Thin Film Transistor) screen is housed in a glass bubble. This is the central information point for Zoe Z.E. Concept and serves to display navigation data, the charge indicator and remaining range, as well as a pallet of coloured mood lighting options which enable the interior ambiance to be customized.

This mood lighting can also be selected automatically via a sensor in the seat which will tone the lighting to match the colours of the driver's clothes. Information is presented by an avatar that appears on the TFT screen, creating a link between the driver and the technology thanks to short messages. The avatar can be personalized (male, female, downloadable from the internet), and provides information about traffic conditions, the route and remaining range. It can also indicate the nearest charging points. This way of humanizing the technology makes it more accessible and creates a relationship with the driver to ensure that journeys are as pleasant as possible.

The hands-free keycard can be personalized, too, by fixing a chip to an object of the customer's choosing to enable automatic door locking and ignition. Finally, the climate control system does much more than simply adjusts the temperature. It also enhances the travelling experience thanks to an innovative triple-function system:

* · Hydrating function. In contrast to conventional climate control systems, which can tend to dry out the air, small dashboard-mounted vaporizers spray an exclusive active substance to rehydrate the skin and exude a sensation of wellbeing.
* 'Detox' function. A toxicity sensor monitors air quality and shuts off the airvents if required. Then, in addition to extracting harmful substances, the cabin filters deliver others which benefit the skin.
* Active scent function. An electric system exhales essential oils suited to the mood of the moment: something mellow for a relaxing drive home, perhaps, or the need to stimulate concentration when driving at night.

This triple-function system has been developed in association with Biotherm®, the skin biology brand of L'Oréal's Luxury Products Division. After a journey in Zoe Z.E. Concept, occupants will feel more relaxed, just like after a spa treatment.

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.

TECHNICAL DATA

Type Electric

Transmission type

Direct drive with forward/reverse inverters

Maximum power EEC (kW/hp) 70/95

Maximum torque EEC (Nm) 225

BATTERY

Type Lithium-ion

Range 160km

STEERING AND BRAKES

Power steering

Electric variable rate power steering

Parking brake Electric

DIMENSIONS

Rims (inches) 21

Length (mm) 4,100

Width (mm) 1,840

Height (mm) 1,516

Wheelbase (mm) 2,605

Front/rear track (mm) 1,626/1,626

Front/rear overhang (mm) 747/719

Unladen weight (kg) 1,400

Tyres 185/55 R21

Boot volume (dm3 VDA)… Between 150 and 500…

…with 4/3/2 occupants …150/325/500

PERFORMANCE

Aerodynamic performance (CdA) 0.25

Top speed (kph) 140