Twizy was just photographed at the Oscar Niemeyer Center, a brand new building that holds art events from around the world. It was only fitting to invite a new kind of vehicle, that wants to redefine tomorrow’s zero emission mobility.

Renault is the first car manufacturer to be invited to the Oscar Niemeyer Center, a place the whole art world is buzzing about. For the special shooting, the Twizy was put in the middle of a setting that is meant to represent timeless modernity. Our favorite electric car fit right in!

So, what do you think? Can’t wait to drive the Twizy?

Picture taken at Oscar Niemeyer, International Cultural Centre, Asturies, Spain

The DeZir project is the first to have been led by Laurens van den Acker and marks the start of a sequence of concept cars that will provide an insight into Renault Design’s new vision for the future.

It also lays the foundations for the styling cues of Renault’s forthcoming vehicles.

Powered by an electric motor, DeZir is proof that environmental concern and a love for cars are by no means incompatible.

DeZir is powered by an electric motor mounted in a mid-rear position to optimize weight distribution over the front and rear wheels. The vertically-mounted 24kW/h lithium-ion battery is located behind the benchseat and provides the car with a range of 160km.

Battery cooling is ensured not only by the air channelled from the front to the back of the car, but also – and above all – by the flow of air that enters through the lateral scoops concealed behind the aluminium panels on either side of the body.

The basic motor is the same as the unit used for Renault’s production electric cars, although an evolution has enabled its power and torque to be uprated to 110kW (150ch) and 226Nm respectively.

Three battery-charging methods can be employed:

- a standard charge using a conventional household plug (fully charges the battery in eight hours).

- a fast charge using a 400V three-phase current (charges the battery to 80 per cent of its capacity in 20 minutes).

- a fast battery exchange thanks to Renault’s Quick Drop technology.

In order to optimise range and dynamic performance, Renault Design’s technical teams have kept DeZir’s weight to a minimum (for example, its body is made from Kevlar) and it’s aerodynamics have been carefully honed, too, thanks to full underbody fairing and a rear diffuser. The result of this work is a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.25, as well as outstanding acceleration, with DeZir capable of accelerating from rest to 100kph in five seconds, and from standstill to 50kph in just two seconds.

DeZir’s energy efficiency package also includes the recovery of deceleration energy. The technology it employs is based on the same principles as the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) seen in Formula 1. When the car decelerates, kinetic energy is recovered and stored in the battery. In the case of DeZir, this energy can then be employed by the driver to provide a temporary power boost at the moment he or she chooses, using a button located on the steering wheel.

The central touchscreen display incorporates a smart navigation system that synchronises journey information with the driver’s diary in order to optimise task management and itineraries. Software incorporated in the dashboard provides drivers with a real-time indication of their energy management ability via a fun interface that uses video-game style graphics.

The first evidence of Renault Design’s new vision for the future

Under the leadership of Laurens van den Acker, Renault’s Design Department has taken its inspiration from the brand’s new signature ‘Drive the Change!‘ and explores Renault’s styling roots to express the company’s powerful human dimension via a new strategy founded on the notion of the ‘life cycle’. Get more information about this notion on Renault.com

The public will get its first opportunity to see DeZir at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.

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Following the unveiling of Fluence Z.E. Concept at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, we have taken the wraps off the finalized design of Fluence Z.E. which is due to go on sale in Europe and Israel from 2011. As the C segment’s first production saloon electric vehicle, Renault Fluence Z.E. targets motorists and fleet operators who are looking for a status-enhancing vehicle that is both economical to run and respectful of the environment.

As the compact segment’s first three-box electric vehicle, it was imperative that Renault Fluence Z.E. should be recognizable at first glance. Mission accomplished! Renault Fluence Z.E. is conclusive proof that electric vehicles do not have to be small, narrow and uncomfortable city cars with a limited touring ability.

Comfort and technology
It also proves that an electric car can come with a raft of useful technologies, including a built-in smart navigation system, Bluetooth telephony and automatic dual-zone climate control, plus automatic headlamp and windscreen wiper activation.

Comfort stays one of the top priority. The cabin space the Fluence Z.E. delivers is worthy of that of a saloon car from the next segment up, including best-in-class front and rear elbow room.

Renault Fluence Z.E. targets families looking for a spacious, comfortable vehicle. The Fluence Z.E. is also likely to figure on the shopping list of many fleet operators thanks to its low running costs.

What about driver safety? Will the battery also comply with safety standards? Christophe Chevreton, Business developer, anwsers some of our questions

Video – Carlos Ghosn breaks the silence in Francfort IAA

With the press conference over, Carlos Ghosn unveiled the four much-awaited Renault Z.E. concept cars and was clear about Renault’s “electrifying” commitment: the automaker has something for everyone, at a price that will be affordable. Electric cars will represent 10% of the automotive market by 2020.

The stage is now set for the Twizy (a fully electric two-seater scooter-car hybrid), the Zoe (the ZE flagship for two-car households), the Fluence (a family saloon due to roll out in 2011), and the Kangoo Z.E. Concept (the zero-emission version of the conventional Kangoo van, perfect for quick, easy deliveries).

A range of up to 160km and three battery-charging options: standard (6 to 8 hours), quick (20 minutes for an 80% charge) and “Quickdrop” (a three-minute stop at a rapid battery exchange station).

Just two days from now, the general public will see the future for itself!

In the meantime, stay tuned with our Renault Z.E. Twitter team or drop in to visit us on Facebook.

More about the Renault’s electrical range