Renault Fluence ZE (2012 – 2014) Review

November 2009

Renault announced that the electric version of Fluence would be manufactured at the OYAK-Renault Bursa plant in Turkey. Production start in the first half of 2011.

Unveiled as Fluence ZE Concept, the electric vehicle (EV) is built on the same production line as the conventionally-powered versions of Fluence. As at Maubeuge, where the Group will produce electric, petrol and diesel Kangoos, this option will keep down the entry price of the programme and ensure an industrial fast start, while ensuring top-level quality.

April 2010

Following Fluence Z.E. Concept’s unveiling at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, Renault took the wraps off the finalised design of Fluence ZE which is due to go on sale in Israel, Denmark and the rest of Europe from 2011.

September 2010

Renault Fluence ZE to be sold in the UK from 2012 at a price equivalent to the diesel version, after the Government £5,000 grant. Instead of selling the battery at around £9,000, buyers will lease it for £70 a month, which, combined with the cost of electricity used, works out less than fuelling a petrol or diesel car.

Engine is a 95PS synchronous electric motor with rotor coil, developing 226Nm virtually from zero rpm. Top speed is 84mph and range 100 miles.

July 2011

Renault confirms price of 'Prime Time', first version of Fluence Z.E. - ahead of launch next year. £17,850 on-the-road (after £5,000 Plug-In Car Grant) Battery lease from £75 per month (based on 6,000 miles/3 years)

October 2011

Fluence Z.E. to be launched in the UK in mid-2012. It is aimed at private customers and fleet operators looking for a four-door saloon which is both economical and more respectful of the environment.

Fluence Z.E. is the first affordable, all-electric three-box saloon, and completes Renault's offer in this segment with a version that doesn’t produce any emissions during its use on the road. It features elegant lines, a comfortable interior and a raft of useful technologies. Along with Kangoo Z.E., this model is the first of the Renault Z.E. range to reach the European market from late 2011.

With an overall length of 4.75 metres, the electric version of Fluence is 13cm longer than the internal combustion-engined model. This has enabled the batteries to be located behind the rear seats. The sides have consequently been redesigned to maintain the visual balance of the original version. Employing fluid, crisp lines, the design of Fluence Z.E. features longer quarter panels which harmonise with the longer rear overhang.

Peak power of this synchronous electric motor with rotor coil is 70kW (equivalent to 95hp) at 3,000rpm, while maximum torque is 226Nm. This torque is delivered instantaneously and ensures crisp, immediate and constant acceleration across the power range. Having maximum torque available every time you press the throttle guarantees a safe and enjoyable drive. It's a unique, astonishing feeling, and perfectly suited to today’s mobility needs and driving challenges. You no longer need to shift gear, either; you just concentrate on the road ahead. Driving is as fun as it is reassuring.

Renault UK has appointed a network of 20 Renault Z.E. Expert Dealers who have invested in specialist tooling, training for both sales and workshop staff (including accreditation to a European standard for electrical safety from both the IMI and Lloyds Register) and showroom display. In addition these Z.E. Dealers will have a demonstrator for each model in the Z.E. range.

When you purchase your Fluence Z.E., you don't actually buy the battery in the car. This remains the property of Renault via RCI Financial Services. Customers take out a hire agreement which guarantees a battery at an affordable price, fully operational and a level of performance.

An almost inexhaustible range of mileage and contract length options will be available to business customers and private motorists. These contracts can be extended indefinitely. Meanwhile, should the vehicle be sold on, a new contract is signed with the new owner.

The quickest and safest solution is the Wall-Box, a wall-mounted charging point installed in a garage, car port or parking place. It is installed by the local energy provider. A standard charging cable is delivered with your Fluence Z.E. for battery charging at the home via a Wall-Box or at a public battery charging point. For occasional charging, Renault proposes an optional lead which can be connected to a domestic 220V power supply. Renault has endeavoured to simplify every step.

As part of the battery hire, and regardless of the pricing plan you have chosen, you receive a comprehensive 24/7 breakdown cover. It also covers flat batteries, whereby you will be towed to the charging point of your choice, within a distance of 50 miles. A temporary replacement mobility solution is also offered to enable you to reach your destination (replacement vehicle, taxi, accommodation, etc.).

Vehicle warranty:

• three years/100,000 miles, in line with the UK's warranty policy for internal combustion-engined vehicles
• electric drive train warranty: five years/100,000 miles

In addition to the basic manufacturer’s warranty, Renault offers warranty extension options and specifically tailored servicing contracts for electric vehicles, with durations and mileage parameters to suit the customer’s choice:

• ‘Planned servicing’ adapted to the way the customer uses their vehicle (years/distance covered)
• Warranty extensions up to seven years (excluding electric drive train),
• Renault also offers insurance specifically tailored to electric vehicle customers

January 2012

Fluence Z.E. saloon. Following the online launch of its initial ‘Prime Time’ version last summer, the official launch line-up consists of two comprehensively-equipped models, Expression+ and Dynamique, priced from £17,495 on-the-road after the Plug-In Car Grant, plus battery hire from just under £70 per month.

• Expression + : £21,845 (minus £5,000 grant)
• Dynamique: £22,745 (minus £5,000 grant)