Built on a shortened Renault Kangoo MPV platform, the Renault ZE Concept is a peek at Nissan/Renault's electric future. The brand plans to bring electric cars to market by 2011, which means we will start seeing more pre-production electric vehicles in the next two years. In the meantime, crazy futuristic models with neon glass are a lot of fun. The acid-green windows help provide insulation, saving energy that might be used for adjusting the climate. The rest of the car's exterior works like a Thermos, using a pocket of air to maintain a constant temperature. Press release below the jump.

RENAULT Z.E. CONCEPT, AN ALL-ELECTRIC CONCEPT CAR WHICH PROVIDES A GLIMPSE OF MOBILITY IN THE FUTURE

In parallel to its new TCe and dCi engine ranges, Renault is furthering its strategy aimed at
curbing CO2 emissions with the development of electric vehicles. Since the beginning of 2008, the
Renault-Nissan Alliance has signed agreements with several states and regions (Israel, Denmark,
Portugal, Japan's Kanagawa prefecture, the state of Tennessee in the USA), which will lead to the
mass marketing of this form of vehicle from 2011.

Z.E. Concept ('Z.E.': Zero Emission) is Renault's vision of the electric vehicle as an efficient, user-
friendly zero-emission car. Based on the brand new Renault Kangoo be bop, Z.E. Concept features
a design which has been adapted to the spirit of an electric vehicle, with the focus on minimizing
energy consumption while at the same time providing core comfort features.

The energy consumption of auxiliary functions such as lighting, heating, climate control, etc. is a
key factor when it comes to an electric vehicle's range, so special attention has been paid to
optimize energy management. Z.E. Concept also incorporates several interactive information
features which are easy to use.
Z.E. Concept is powered by a 70kW electric motor with torque of 226Nm, with lithium-ion batteries.

Energy saving management at the heart of Z.E. Concept's design

Z.E. Concept is based on Kangoo be bop and its compact dimensions (length: 3.95m, height: 1.85m)
favour manoeuvrability in and about town. This electric vehicle was designed to minimize energy
consumption, without forgetting modern comfort-related refinements.

The employment of heat-reflective paint and insulating bodywork featuring large surface areas
contributes to the reduction of temperature fluctuations which traditionally prompt the use of climate
control or heating systems which are big consumers of energy. Insulation is further optimized by the use
of acid green-tinted glass for the glazed areas.

The bodywork functions along the same lines as a Thermos flask. It comprises two insulating panels with
a sandwich of air.
This air, which is still the most effective insulant known today, limits variations in temperature between the
exterior and the interior of the car.
Solar panels, positioned on the roof, power a temperature regulation system. Cooling the inside of a
vehicle uses a great deal of energy, but this system permits a pleasant temperature to be maintained in
the cabin, even at standstill or when parking, and avoids having to switch on the climate control when

Meanwhile, the layout of the heating and climate control functions has been thought through to produce a
particularly efficient trade-off between performance and energy consumption. For example, the
impression of heat is especially felt on the face and hands. Accordingly, if the cabin temperature is 15°C
but warmth can be channelled as close as possible to key zones (a heated steeringwheel, for example),
the driver will feel comfortable while using less electrical energy.

The conventional drag-producing exterior mirrors have been replaced by streamlined, low-energy
cameras which are also powered by the roof-mounted solar panels to enhance all-round visibility,
especially when manoeuvring. The low-drag full-disc aluminium alloy wheels also improve aerodynamic
performance.

The headlamps use efficient, high-performance light-emitting diodes (LEDs) which are not only long
lasting but also low consumers of energy.

Optimizing energy management is consequently a key aspect of the research that has gone into
the technology employed for this concept car.

An interactive, user-friendly vehicle
The Z.E. Concept concept car offers motorists and passengers a pleasant, relaxing ride and this
sensation is enhanced by a number of interactive communication features. For example, logos light up to
signal that the vehicle recognizes its occupants as they approach.

Z.E. Concept illustrates Renault's vision of mobility in the future. As a socially responsible vehicle, it is
equipped with polyurethane gel bumpers, for example. These deform easily to soak up minor knocks,
while pedestrians are reassured by their absorbent aspect.

A linear display on the outside of the door provides a visual indication of how much range remains even
before the driver gets into the vehicle. This display is redolent of a cell phone charge-indicator.

As a vehicle of the future, Z.E. Concept is seen as a simple link in the overall mobility chain. To facilitate
getting around in areas where space is a premium, an electric scooter is packed into the boot and is
charged via the car's own system. To make loading easier, the rear hatch-type tailgate combines with a
wide, folding sill which enables this scooter – or any other item – to be slid into the boot.

Z.E. Concept contains very few fluids that need recycling at the end of its lifecycle.

The smart navigation interfaces feature an innovative approach to alleviating the vehicle's energy
requirements. Indeed, electricity can be saved by making journeys easier. The MMIs (Man Machine
Interfaces) are able to pinpoint the nearest car parks equipped with charging stations as a function of the
remaining range, making Z.E. Concept a car which not only warns and calculates, but which also thinks
ahead…
Information is relayed from the vehicle to the driver and vice-versa via a cell phone which connects
directly to the dashboard.

Using a cell phone-based navigation system avoids the necessity for an energy-consuming onboard
computer. The dashboard itself takes the form of two distinct functional units:
- a new-format minimalist display which provides specific data relating to the electric motor,
- a remotely-positioned control between the seats incorporating a touchpad to facilitate the
keying in of data.

All-electric power, zero emissions
Z.E. Concept is equipped with a 70kW electric motor which delivers torque of 226Nm, making it
particularly flexible, responsive and comfortable to use. Batteries are lithium-ion type.

Z.E. Concept provides a foretaste of the Renault electric vehicle which will be easy to use,
practical and efficient.

[Source: Renault]