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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If you are interested by electric vehicles or concerned by sustainable mobility, then the ZE Driver widget is made for you! Built around a downloadable application named ZE, this widget will bring you tons of exclusive content: first-hand information about Renault Z.E.’s electric cars, services on electric mobility, an access to social media spaces, the “Lifestyle Mag Innovision”, invitations to events near you, goodies… and a lot more!

Available for PC, Mac and Iphone, the Renault ZE application will soon become the must-have widget for any ZE Driver!

So no need to wait any longer: join the electric revolution now and download your Renault ZE application!

Big day ahead for Sims 3 fans! The Renault Z.E. pack is now available for download… free of charge! The Sims can grab the wheel of the Twizy Z.E., after choosing their favorite color, and discover the joys of driving an electric vehicle. The characters will also enjoy lower energy bills thanks to the Twizy.

Even better, the Renault Z.E. pack also includes plenty of objects to redecorate your home: solar panels, windmill… Your Sims family will now really be able to live a greener lifestyle!

The Sims 3 on the road with Renault Z.E.!

Find out more on Renault Z.E.’s official website.

Kangoo Express Z.E.’s prototypes unveiled at the COP 15 (United Nations Climate Change Conference) in Copenhagen had everyone talking. We are pleased to reveal the model’s finalized design today! The electric vehicle features the same practical functions as the internal combustion-engined version, while also delivering a silent ride, responsive performance, immediate availability of torque as soon as its starts, no gear changes, and low running costs.

Renault Kangoo Express Z.E. targets extremely exacting business users looking to minimize running costs and has accordingly been engineered to guarantee a very high standard of reliability and durability. Its outstanding TCO rating (Total Cost of Ownership) makes it a first class solution for small businesses and fleet operators alike. It will also benefit from Renault’s extensive experience of van production.

Intended for fleet use
The length of Renault Kangoo Express Z.E. stands at 4.21 metres, while carrying capacity ranges from 3 to 3.5m3. The battery is located in a central position beneath the floor, enabling the electric version of Kangoo to boast the same carrying capacity as the internal combustion-engined version. The asymmetric hinged rear doors and sliding side door provide easy access to the cargo area.

New Kangoo Express Z.E. will be available in a choice of 11 different special effect or non-metallic body colours. Customers will also be to specify the colours of their business, since Kangoo Express Z.E. is above all intended for fleet use.

This vehicle will be released in the first half of 2011, with an operational range of 160km… But you can pre-reserve yours today on Renault-ze.com!

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.