Renault-Nissan planning slow/fast charging and battery swap for Europe EVs
Kangoo be bop Z.E. - Click above for a high-res image gallery
If reports coming from AutoCar are accurate, Renault and Nissan are planning three "energizing" options for customers when its first EVs arrive on the continent in 2011. The first two are straightforward slow and fast charge facilities. The slower option will charge the battery in 4-8 hours on a 240V circuit. The faster option will give an 80 percent percent charge in 20 minutes on a higher current circuit. Both of these options will also be available for the U.S.-market Renault EV.
The third option will be battery swapping. This option will only be available in areas where Better Place or some other provider has set up facilities; these may not even be available at launch. One thing that Renault doesn't plan to do initially is sell the batteries. Instead they will be leased on a mileage basis much like cell phone calling plans. The first Renault EV is expected to be a production version of the Kangoo be bop Z.E. followed by an electric Megan for the Israeli market and the new Nissan EV in 2012.
Gallery: Renault Kangoo be bop Z.E.
[Source: AutoCar]
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