Renault shows off the Kangoo Be Bop Z. E. in three new videos
Kangoo be bop Z.E. - Click above for high-res image gallery
If you count yourself as a fan of the shortened Kangoo that will become the be bop Z.E., Renault's first widely available electric vehicle, this post is for you. On the other side of the jump you'll find three videos that show the car in motion, the interior and undergoing the recharging process. That last video shows the three options that owners of the Renault EV will be able to choose from to recharge their batteries: a regular slow charge at home (takes 6 hours), fast charging (30 minutes) or battery swap (3 minutes). The swapping video is quite similar to what Better Place showed us in this video.
Gallery: Renault Kangoo be bop Z.E.
[Source: Renault via YouTube]
Video 1: The Be Bop being driven around a French village
Video 2: The Be Bop's interior
Video 3: Charging methods
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Richard in FLA 5:36PM (7/01/2009)
Funny how Renault seems to NOT be worried about aerodynamics, But GM had to completely redesign the Volt because it was like driving a brick! If you ask me, the concept Volt looked more aerodynamic and more attractive than this Renault, but then who am I?
I still like this car. If it were available in the USA, then I'd seriously consider it.
Reply
paulwesterberg 5:56PM (7/01/2009)
I agree they need to fix the aerodynamics to maximize efficiency and range.
paulwesterberg 5:57PM (7/01/2009)
Also the battery charge meter they display in the video is totally backwards with it showing mostly green when it is mostly empty and it shows black when it is full...
Chris M 10:38PM (7/01/2009)
You're right, the range would be better with improved aerodynamics, but Renault is doing a "quick and dirty" conversion of an existing vehicle. Considering that the RAV4EV and E-Box also are conversions with poor aerodynamics yet achieve reasonable range, perhaps Renault decided that improving the aerodynamics wasn't worth the time and effort.
If EVs are successful, Renault might come up with new EV models that have better aerodynamics for improved range as a competitive advantage.
Richard in FLA 10:47PM (7/01/2009)
Yes, the range is more than double the Volt. Goes to show how absurdly run GM is and how they should just go under. It's obvious that good enough isn't good enough for GM all the while they keep taking tax payer money! I can't believe they haven't put a car out yet, it's just absurd!
occ 9:26PM (7/01/2009)
Awesome. Mass produce it affordably and bring it to the US market already! I'm waiting for the first commercial available EV to replace my gas sedan. I don't care to own the battery....if the cost/mile is less than $/gal overall AND the $$ pays local electricity and infrastructure! I'm soooo in the market! First affordable EV wins my $$.
Reply
Rif 3:03AM (7/02/2009)
I think it is good choice that Renault first make a EV based on the Kangoo model, as this can be sold both as a practical family car and as a small delivery/service car. There is a lot of private and public service companies that can use this as a city car.
The final production car range 160 km is good for a first generation car, but we will have to see how well car performs in a Swedish winter and with a couple of years battery wear. Likely range will fall to ~80 km.
Reply