THINK electric cars still mean milk floats and G-Wizzes? Well think again.
These days the electric car is sexy – just check out Audi’s latest e-tron concepts – we’ve driven one (see Audi e-tron – why the future is electrifying).
But more importantly for businesses, the electric car could be turning up as one of your company cars sooner than you think. If you’ve already seen Renault’s TV advertising campaign you’ll know what I’m talking about. But if you haven’t, here’s the bottom line…the French maker is on the verge of re-inventing the motor car.
Together with Alliance partner Nissan, it has invested 4bn euro in a project that will see four fully-fledged electric cars arrive in showrooms as early as 2011.
The first major motor manufacturer to take such an ambitious step, Renault’s gamble could pay off big for businesses. Not only will these models cost virtually nothing to run or service, but Renault will buy the car back at the end of the term for a pre-agreed price. Used examples will then go into a Renault network too, keeping residual values strong and what’s more, rather than buy the batteries outright, Renault will lease them, allowing owners to upgrade as the technology improves. Plus, there’s also congestion charge exemption and free parking spaces to think about, too.
The icing on the cake, though, is that each car will cost no more than the equivalent petrol or diesel model – and with a UK government grant set to take effect from 2012, electric versions could even turn out to be cheaper.
So what has the company got in store?
Well, come 2011, Renault will launch an electric Megane saloon called the Fluence that does 0-60mph in around nine seconds thanks to a 95bhp electric motor and has a 150 mile range. What’s more, its lithium-ion batteries can be charged to 80% of their capacity in just 20mins from a 400v supply.
At the same time, it’ll be joined by the Kangoo electric van, with the Twizy, a nifty four-wheeled scooter set to cost L4,000, and the Zoe, an electric sister car to the Clio, arriving in 2012. In the same year, Nissan will launch the Focus-sized LEAF.
What are they like to drive?
With the exception of the Kangoo, I’ve been lucky enough to drive all these models and I’ve come away impressed. They’re refined, responsive and easy to use. The Twizy is great fun with sharp steering, nippy performance and amazing maneuverability while the Fluence offers the space and relaxing drive of a large saloon. As for the LEAF…well, it already feels production-ready.
OK, what about the downsides?
There are several problems, though. With most diesel models offering a range of at least 600 miles, even the Fluence falls a long way short of the average business driver’s needs. A full charge takes six hours from a conventional 240v plug socket too.
The second problem is infrastructure. Renault is working with the government and utility companies to ensure there’s a national network of 400v fast-charging stations and ‘Quickdrop’ battery exchange centres (which will look a bit like roadside car washes). Included in the price of the car will be the installation of a charging point at the office or at the owner’s home. There’s also talk of plug-in points at supermarkets and an electric corridor running the length of the M1. But at the moment, charging points are few and far between. And the clock is ticking.
However, for city-based firms with vehicles that do relatively short daily journeys and return to the office for an overnight charge, electric cars already make sense. What’s more, with safeguarded re-sale values, leased batteries and low overall running costs, Renault is making the electric car as business friendly as possible. It might not be a total solution, but this ambitious new range certainly has its place with the business cars you manage and deserves a closer look.
We’ll keep you posted with all the developments.
Sam Hardy is deputy motoring editor and digital editor of Auto Express.
Further information
If you would like to know more about Renault electric vehicles, visit this dedicated website www.renault-ze.com/uk.
To read what it’s like to drive Audi’s electric supercar, visit this story: Special Report – Audi’s e-tron.
