Renault partnering with L'Oréal on Zoe Z.E electric spa concept [w/VIDEO]
Renault Zoe Z.E. concept - click above for high-res image gallery
At the Frankfurt Motor Show back in September, one of the four electric vehicle concepts shown by Renault was this Zoe which the company now tells us was developed in collaboration with L'Oréal. We just received a bunch of new images of the Zoe and the new release refers to it as an electric "spa" concept.
Anyone that has seen ads for skin car products on TV or in print is intimately familiar with all the snake oil that companies like L'Oréal are constantly foisting on unsuspecting consumers. While the shape of the concept reportedly previews an upcoming BEV to debut in 2012, it seems L'Oréal's main contribution was the flowery language in this press release. Supposedly the air conditioning system hydrates the occupants skin and a system disperses essential oils inside.
While all of this may mean nothing in the end, the shape of the car is pretty interesting and Renault is apparently planning 220V standard charging, 20-minute fast charging and 3-minute battery swaps.
Gallery: Renault Zoe Z.E. concept
[Source: Renault]
press release
RENAULT AND BIOTHERM PRESENT ZOE Z.E. THE FIRST 100% ELECTRIC "SPA" CONCEPT CAR
Biotherm, the skin care company in L'Oréal's Luxury Products division, has joined forces with Renault to develop an all-new 100% electric "spa" concept car, ZOE Z.E. Aimed at people making daily local trips and looking for a car that brings them health and well- being, ZOE Z.E. concept, with its premium and fully personalizable cabin, is a preview of the Renault production vehicle set for launch in 2012.
ZOE Z.E., ZERO EMISSIONS AND MAXIMUM PEACE OF MIND ZOE Z.E., a 100% electric, zero-emission city car, is for men
and women who want to take care of the environment while taking care of themselves – even behind the wheel. The roof has been designed as an intelligent protective membrane that insulates against heat and cold, optimizes climate control, and recovers energy using honeycomb photovoltaic cells. The car features a shield of polyurethane gel at the front and the back, acting as a second skin that protects vulnerable parts of the body in the event of mild urban impact. ZOE Z.E. boasts the finest in air filtration and purification technology to fully protect the health of passengers and keep their skin young-looking.
Drivers can "fill up" in one of three ways: Standard charge: in 4 to 8 hours, using a recharge socket outside the car Fast charge: in 20 minutes, using the same socket at special charge stations The exclusive "Quickdrop" system, or rapid battery exchange: in 3 minutes at exchange stations
LEADING-EDGE SCIENTIFIC PARTNERSHIP Biotherm research teams and Renault engineers and designers have combined their expertise in a co-innovation partnership. Since the brand was created in 1952, Biotherm research laboratories have developed in-depth knowledge on the cellular mechanisms of the skin, together with proven scientific know-how in the virtues of aromatherapy. For more than 110 years, Renault has developed recognized expertise in the design and approval of equipment for comfort and well-being.
Thus, ZOE Z.E. presents all-new benefits for its occupants:
1- Hydrated skin: The air conditioning system, generally optimized to respect temperature settings, has been entirely redesigned to keep passengers' skin hydrated. Occupants benefit from intelligent climate control that keeps the air in the cabin from drying out.
2- Pollution protection system: Thanks to a toxicity sensor and cabin-mounted particulate filters that close air vents if required, ZOE Z.E. passengers travel in a clean atmosphere.
3- Active essential oils function: An electric system diffuses essential oils, exclusive active substances adapted to the needs of the driver: dynamic in the morning, relaxing coming home from work, and awakening vigilance while driving at night. Developed by Biotherm, they transform the cabin into a "spa" cocoon and contribute to passenger vigilance.
The electric vehicle is the breakthrough solution for bringing zero-emission mobility to all. It has already received worldwide political support, in the shape of tax breaks on CO2 emissions and the development of infrastructures necessary for electric mobility. As early as 2011, Renault will launch volume production of a range of electric vehicles accessible to all.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
rtshinn 11:11AM (11/05/2009)
I'd like to see about zero press given to 'concept' cars. It's way too dissapointing whe/if a real product comes out.
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dan53186 5:47PM (11/05/2009)
yeah, i know exactly what you mean. it's such a tease to see such cool technology which can be many long gas powered years off.
gorr 11:46AM (11/05/2009)
Im worried that these oils can stick on windows with greasy mess and suffocating cabin.
I have a neon 2005 and i have to clean the interior windshield 3-4 time a years because the cheap plastic and cheap glue is vaporizing messy stuff that stick on interior windshield and there is no air filtration and it's 6 months winter in canada with front defroster always at on bringning salty stuffs and diesel and gasoline fumes directly into the cabin.
There is no sound into this video...
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Snoopy 6:08PM (11/05/2009)
Hey gorr,
If you want to see the video with sound, it's been available on Renault's ZE promotional site since they launched it. Just in case you don't have the URL on hand, here it is. http://www.renault-ze.com/
phd924 11:57AM (11/05/2009)
I'm sick of seeing these dream concepts, It looks good on paper. I'd like see the amount of money they waste on concepts. Come back to reality.
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Snoopy 6:02PM (11/05/2009)
I find it interesting Renault is only telling you guys about this NOW. All of this information was available on their electric lineup site since it was launched.
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John Metcalf 6:42PM (11/05/2009)
Between this and Citroen's Cactus, the French have been making some of the most attractive concept cars of late, in my opinion anyway.
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