Renault says electric cars won't happen without government help
click above image for a high-resolution gallery of the Renault Z.E. concept
French automakers Renault, Peugeot and Citroën have already taken government assistance worth $11.8 billion. Renault, which accepted a $3.9 billion loan, is now saying that without more government help - like purchase price subsidies of €5,000 per vehicle and a waiver on the taxes paid on electricity used to power a car - the planned 2012 launch of Renault-branded electric vehicles won't happen. According to Automotive News Europe (subs req'd), Renault's Jerome Perrin, head of the company's research, advanced studies and materials division, said that he understands that by 2020 the situation will "have to change" but that the government help is needed in the early game. Renault expects that sometime in 2015-2020, Europeans will by two million EVs a year, and therefore is still very actively working on its electric car programs - it just wants some more guaranteed help to turn ideas like the Z.E. Concept (above) into real cars.
Gallery: Renault Z.E. Concept
[Source: Automotive News Europe (subs req'd)]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
jharlan 1:33PM (2/17/2009)
Free government money? It's worth a try. If you don't ask, how are you going to know? It looks like before it's over, every auto maker in the world is going to get government money in one way or another (except maybe Ford, and even Ford will benefit from Gov"t incentives).
Reply
andrichrose 1:46PM (2/17/2009)
well Mr Jerome Perrin , I will not buy another new car until I can buy an
electric one , so stick that in your bagette !
Reply
greatsunjester 1:53PM (2/17/2009)
I am sorry but every time I see that picture all I can imagine is drowning in radiator fluid.... probably much to the delight of jaded onlookers at an auto show.
Reply
BoomBoom 9:37AM (2/18/2009)
Talk about seeing the world through rose-colored glasses!!! How about Puke colored glasses. Who's idea was it to tint the windows that color!
Reply
Chris M 8:54PM (2/18/2009)
Fluroscene green. That's because it is a "concept car" that will never be produced. Many places don't allow tinted windshields, so that wouldn't be legal on most roads, but that's ok, as few people would want such an odd tint to their windows.
9394 7:11PM (2/18/2009)
Electric cars won't happen w/o government money, ... or Google or other VC's money.
Reply