On a charge with Renault Fluence Z.E.

Europe’s newest production electric vehicle, the Renault Fluence Z.E., is taking a starring role in Davos, Switzerland.

The Renault-Nissan Alliance has two examples of the stylish zero emission sedan running around the snow-covered streets, offering test drives to the legion of world leaders, top businessmen and opinion formers gathered in the town for the 2012 World Economic Forum.

The Renault Fluence Z.E., which has just gone on sale in Europe alongside the Renault Kangoo Z.E. - International Van of the Year 2012 -, is a well equipped and roomy four-door sedan with space for five adults and their luggage.

Built alongside its conventionally-powered cousin at Renault’s state-of-the-art-factory in Bursa, Turkey, Renault Fluence Z.E. is powered by a synchronous electric motor developing 70kW, equivalent to 95hp, with a maximum torque figure of 226Nm.

Being an electric vehicle, that torque is available instantaneously for crisp, immediate and constant acceleration. The car’s range between charges is 185kms (NEDC), two to three times greater than most daily journeys.

Renault Fluence Z.E. is 13cm longer than the internal combustion-powered version, with the battery packs mounted between the rear seats and the trunk to ensure passenger and luggage space is not compromised.

Nor is the environment. With no exhaust fumes and near silent running, the clean and quiet Renault Fluence Z.E. is already starting to change the quality of life in urban areas.

Keep coming back the Renault-Nissan Alliance blog to discover what Davos thinks of Europe’s latest EV.