Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Renault, Paris Motor Show
Renault has rolled out a new concept in Paris today that gives a preview of what we might expect when Project Better Place kicks off in a couple of years. The Z.E. Concept is based on the Kangoo Be Bop that is also debuting at the Paris Show. The Z.E. Concept however is propelled purely by electrons coming from a lithium ion battery pack. The front wheels get torque from a 70 kW (94 hp) electric motor. So far, Renault hasn’t revealed the size of the battery pack or what sort range it can provide. Renault has made a major effort to reduce parasitic losses throughout the Z.E. in order to get the most out of the battery. Electrical requirements are reduced by using LEDs for the headlights. Aerodynamic losses were cut by replacing the outside mirrors with small cameras and the draw of the climate control system has been severely cut. The outside of the car is coated in a heat reflecting paint and body panels are insulated. The actual management of interior temperatures has also benefited from efficiency efforts. The ambient interior temperature is maintained at 59 degrees F but warm air is directed at the head, hands and feet as those extremities are where people tend to feel the variations in temperature the most. By focusing the temperature regulated in those places the total climate control load is reduced. There are videos and a press release after the jump.
Gallery: Renault Z.E. Concept
[Source: Renault]
Continue reading Paris 2008: Renault Z.E. concept
Permalink | Email this | Comments
Entries (RSS)