Renault Fluence ZE electric concept at 2009 Frankfurt motor show

By Ben Pulman

First Official Pictures

15 September 2009 12:00

This is the Renault Fluence ZE, a concept car unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show that previews the forthcoming electric version of the recently revealed Fluence saloon. Along with the Kangoo ZE, it will be one of Renault’s first electric vehicles which go on sale in 2011.

It does – there’s energy-saving LED lights, cameras to replace the rear-view mirrors, solar cells on the roof, dash and parcel shelf, and 21-inch wheels. The latter feature blue polycarbonate spirals that help improve the Fluence ZE’s aerodynamics.

Power comes from the lithium-ion batteries that drive a 70kW (95hp) electric motor and give a 100-mile range. Not bad for a 1600kg family car.

Better. Inside there’s seating for four, the driver gets gel-covered pedals, and the passengers get blue translucent gel mats to rest their feet on. A TFT touchscreen controls all the important equipment, while the central armrest features the start button, the air-con controls and a Samsung phone – the petrol-powered Fluence is based on the Samsung SM3 saloon – which can relay video to screens built into the front seatbacks. The video images from the external cameras are displayed in the front doors.

By Ben Pulman