Renaults electric vehicles take to the road at Fleetworld EV Show
Fleet managers and contract hire companies were among the first people in the country to drive two of the electric vehicles from Renault’s eagerly-awaited four-strong Z.E. (Zero Emission) family earlier this week.
Visitors to the Fleetworld Electric Vehicle Showcase at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham put the Kangoo Van Z.E. and Fluence Z.E. saloon through their paces around a dedicated four-mile test drive circuit.
The Fluence Z.E., a four-door medium-sized saloon, is one of the first examples to appear in the country, ahead of its official launch here next Spring. Its UK price and specification will be announced when reservations start to be taken in June, however, a European price was recently announced for an online launch version at 26,000 euros (circa £22,900 at current exchange rate, £17,900 after the Plugged In Car Grant), excluding any relevant national incentives, plus 79 euros (£67) per month battery lease.
With its roomy interior, cutting-edge technology and comfort, combined with its responsive and quiet motor, it is already attracting considerable attention from private and business motorists alike, who are looking to save on fuel costs, as well as benefit from its respect for the environment. It is a credible option for fleet users and attracted many compliments on the day.
Also on show, was the Kangoo Van Z.E., featuring the same practical functions as its internal combustion-engined sister products, plus the same load capacity (ranging from 3 to 3.5m³), payload (650kg) and high level of comfort. The Kangoo Van Z.E. range starts from £16,990 excluding VAT, with £59 monthly (excluding VAT) battery lease over four years/9,000 miles.
Darren Payne, Renault UK’s Director of Fleet and Commercial Vehicle Operations, was impressed with the response from potential buyers, commenting, “It’s very exciting for us to be able to start letting business customers get behind the wheel of our Z.E. range so they can see for themselves all the intrinsic benefits of driving and running electric vehicles.
“Renault will be the first manufacturer to offer a full range of electric vehicles and there’s been a massive sense of expectation. Several large organisations and local authorities have already expressed interest in the Renault Z.E. range, and we’ve already witnessed that many potential customers have done their homework on electric vehicles. They’re keen to learn more on every aspect of electric vehicle ownership and how they will enhance their businesses as part of busy fleets, and the feedback on the drives has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Drivers rated the performance and lack of noise very highly and were particularly impressed with the comfort, quality of finish and the fact that they both drive like conventional diesel and petrol-powered models.”
More information on the Renault Z.E. range is available at renault-ze.com.
