Renault Z.E. Roadshow: Fluence Z.E. and Kangoo Express Z.E. Available for Road Tests

BOULOGNE-BILLANCOURT, FRANCE – July 8, 2010: With one year to go before the launch of its first two electric vehicles, Renault is to embark on a Europe-wide tour with Kangoo Express Z.E. and Fluence Z.E. The roadshow will give some 2,000 people – media, national and local authorities and opinion leaders – a chance to get behind the wheel of Renault's two prototype electric vehicles.

Kangoo Express Z.E. and Fluence Z.E. were unveiled on April 15, 2010, since which time it has been possible to place pre-orders for the two models via the website www.renault-ze.com. After registering online, visitors to the site are able to select their vehicle and thereby enjoy priority access to their choice when the two models go on sale.

Aware of the impact that motor vehicles can have on the environment over their complete life cycle, Renault has been working actively for many years to achieve ongoing improvements regarding the ecological footprint of a vehicle at every phase of its life (production, on-road use, recycling). As demonstrated by its Renault eco� programme in favour of the environment, Renault believes it is essential to ensure that the most effective technologies are available to as many motorists as possible at an affordable price.

Electric vehicles represent a clean-break solution aimed at making CO2 emissions-free mobility in use, except wear parts.

Renault estimates that electric vehicles will account for 10 per cent of the world market by 2020. The Alliance is investing €4 billion in its zero emissions programme and a 2,000-strong team (1,000 at Renault and 1,000 at Nissan) is already working on electric vehicles.

The Zero Emission Strategy

It was in 2008 that the Renault-Nissan Alliance announced its intention to mass market zero emission vehicles. This clean break technology is the only affordable solution involving vehicles that emit neither CO2 nor harmful particulates.

Renault's Electric Vehicle Product Plan

From next year, Renault will begin to market four electric cars, starting with Kangoo Express Z.E. and Fluence Z.E., both of which are derived from models powered by an internal combustion engine. The range will then be extended to include two new, all-electric models which will have their own specific, innovative design based on the Twizy and Zoe concept cars.

This product plan will enable customers to find the type of vehicle they are looking for in Renault's electric range, since the four models – a small city car, a compact hatchback, a family saloon and an LCV – are set to cover the vast majority of motorists' needs.

Infrastructure and Existing Pilot Projects

Within the framework of its zero emissions strategy, the Renault-Nissan Alliance is working actively with governments, administrative bodies, local authorities, energy providers and other partners. To date, it has signed more than 60 agreements across the world aimed at preparing markets and establishing the necessary infrastructure for the mass marketing of electric vehicles from 2011.

These privately- and publicly-steered undertakings indicate that the necessary infrastructures and charging facilities will be operational when electric vehicles come to market.

This will consequently reassure prospective electric vehicle users that simple, practical solutions will be in place to enable them to charge their battery, both at home and by the roadside.