AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com AutoblogGreen http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Formula E touts Renault relationship with new car design, adds Bangkok to calender]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/formula-e-touts-renault-relationship-adds-bangkok/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/formula-e-touts-renault-relationship-adds-bangkok/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/formula-e-touts-renault-relationship-adds-bangkok/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The Formulec EF01 is a pretty sweet all-electric race car, but it's really been just a place holder for the vehicles that will eventually form the FIA Formula E Championship grid. Along with an announcement that Renault will be a technical partner, the budding series has just released images of what we can expect the actual cars to look like when they take to the starting line. Think less Formula 3, and more Formula 1.

As it has been presented, the poetically-named Spark-Renault SRT 01E is a mix of mirror-like polished aluminum body work and carbon fiber struts and wings. Its aerodynamic package not only has the traditional elements that provide downforce and keep the wheels planted through the turns, but it also features a few touches like partially faired wheels to help keep the slipstream free of energy-robbing turbulence.

The collaboration is more than skin deep, too. According to Managing Director of Renault Sport Technologies Patrice Ratti, the French automaker will call on expertise derived from its experience in Formula 1 and its production of road-going EVs to keep the electrons in the drivetrain flowing properly. And we quote,

"Engineers from Renault Sport F1 and Renault Sport Technologies will collaborate with Spark Racing Technology team to optimize the electric and electronic layout and performance of the powertrain."

Besides the big partnership news, Formula E has also revealed that Bangkok, Thailand has been chosen as the ninth of ten cities that will host a race. Although it has a burgeoning auto-making industry, the Asian country lacks an international motorsport presence. This event should help raise that country's automotive profile and give the electric racing series one of its more interesting backdrops.

You can read the two official press releases by scrolling below, as well as view a clip of Formula E Holdings CEO Alejandro Agag discussing the concept of the series in a recent interview with the Financial Times.

Continue reading Formula E touts Renault relationship with new car design, adds Bangkok to calender

Formula E touts Renault relationship with new car design, adds Bangkok to calender originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 19 May 2013 09:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bangkokelectric vehicle racingformula espark renault srt 01ethailandSun, 19 May 2013 09:13:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20572574/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20572574/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/19/formula-e-touts-renault-relationship-adds-bangkok/20572574/article-detail.xml 20572574 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/spark-renault-formula-e-car-cgi-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/spark-renault-formula-e-car-cgi-628.jpg <![CDATA[Renault Z.E. center celebrates first birthday with 21,000 EV test drives]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/renault-z-e-center-celebrates-first-birthday-21000-ev-test-drives/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/renault-z-e-center-celebrates-first-birthday-21000-ev-test-drives/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/renault-z-e-center-celebrates-first-birthday-21000-ev-test-drives/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

renault fluence

Renault is ready to party at its Z.E. (zero emission) Center in Boulogne-Billancourt, France, near Paris. While it's being called a birthday celebration, the Z.E. Center actually opened up almost a year and a half ago, in January 2012. Renault says that it's the first electric vehicle test center in Europe.

So far, the Center has organized over 21,000 electric vehicle test drives for professional, institutional and individual customers and guests. These visitors have driven the family of Renault EVs - Zoe, Twizy, Kangoo Z.E. and Fluence Z.E. - more than 50,000 kilometers (31,000 miles). Visitor who go for a drive are accompanied by EV experts around a two-kilometer (about one and a quarter mile) track. Along the way, they learn more about the services, benefits and charging infrastructure details that come with EV ownership. Through April 2013, Renault has only sold 24,688 EVs throughout Europe, or roughly the same number as it's had test drives at the Z.E. Center.

Visitors have included race car drivers Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel, photographer/journalist Yann Arthus-Bertrand and a few French government officials. It's got to help Renault to gain such exposure, but the trick will be expanding the sales figures way beyond the number of visitors.

Continue reading Renault Z.E. center celebrates first birthday with 21,000 EV test drives

Renault Z.E. center celebrates first birthday with 21,000 EV test drives originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 15 May 2013 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boulogne-billancourtelectric vehicleelectric vehiclesevsfluencefrancekangoorenaultrenault z.e. centertest drivestwizyzoeWed, 15 May 2013 09:59:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20569329/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20569329/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/15/renault-z-e-center-celebrates-first-birthday-21000-ev-test-drives/20569329/article-detail.xml 20569329 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/renault-fluence-z.e._thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/renault-fluence-z.e..jpg <![CDATA[Despite selling almost 90,000 electric vehicles, Renault-Nissan will not hit 2016 sales target]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/despite-selling-almost-90000-electric-vehicles-renault-nissan/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/despite-selling-almost-90000-electric-vehicles-renault-nissan/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/despite-selling-almost-90000-electric-vehicles-renault-nissan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

nissan leaf taxi mexico city

When you're in the lead, everyone can see the target on your back. When you're in front and talking about how much faster you could go, then it can seem like you're setting up your own stumbling blocks.

That's one way to look at the electric vehicle work that Renault and Nissan are doing as they handily outsell their competitors when it comes to pure EVs. In February, Nissan announced it had sold well over 50,000 Leafs around the world and that number has grown to 62,000 by now. Automotive News Europe recently tallied up Renault's all-electric vehicle sales from the launch of the various models through April 2013 and found the company has sold 24,688 in total (Twizy: 9,911; Kangoo Z.E.: 8,760; Fluence Z.E.: 3,487; Zoe: 2,530). So, let's call it almost 90,000 EVs by now for both companies. That's a lot, but Renault-Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn - and here's where the self-inflicted wounds come in - had to admit to the press recently that his companies probably won't hit the original target of selling a combined 1.5 million EVs by 2016.

Ghosn remains confident as ever in the long term potential for EVs, saying earlier this year that, "we know this is a breakthrough technology, we know [the Leaf] is a breakthrough car, and we're just going to have to be extremely patient and resilient and remove the obstacles one after another."

One of those obstacles is getting people used to EVs, and that means getting butts in seats. This is why the company is working on an electric vehicle taxi project in Mexico City, where a huge charging warehouse can charge 50 Leafs at once, the most in all of Latin America. The Mexico City Leaf taxi project has been in the works since 2010, and the first EVs were delivered in October 2011. There are two Nissan-supplied videos about the Mexico City trials available below.

Continue reading Despite selling almost 90,000 electric vehicles, Renault-Nissan will not hit 2016 sales target

Despite selling almost 90,000 electric vehicles, Renault-Nissan will not hit 2016 sales target originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 13 May 2013 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleev salesleaf salesleaf taximexico citynissannissan leafrenaultMon, 13 May 2013 17:03:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20567143/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20567143/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/13/despite-selling-almost-90000-electric-vehicles-renault-nissan/20567143/article-detail.xml 20567143 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mexico-city-taxi-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mexico-city-taxi-628.jpg <![CDATA[Carlos Ghosn: it makes sense to focus on electric vehicles, cooperate on fuel cells]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/carlos-ghosn-makes-sense-to-focus-on-electric-vehicles/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/carlos-ghosn-makes-sense-to-focus-on-electric-vehicles/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/carlos-ghosn-makes-sense-to-focus-on-electric-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The last time we spoke with Renault-Nissan head Carlos Ghosn, at the Geneva Motor Show, he spoke about the 70,000 all-electric vehicles his company's have sold to happy customers and how these vehicles are just the beginning of the EV era. Speaking at the New York Auto Show a little over a month ago, Ghosn went into detail about how building electric cars around the world will make them cheaper - and thus more prevalent - for just about everyone. He said:

When we started this effort on electric cars, the first challenge for us was to build credibility for the car itself. Because in the minds of many consumers, the electric car was a golf cart. Zero emission, yes, but everything else was wrong. This first challenge is over today. People driving the Leaf today know it's a real car. Acceleration, driving performance, silence - everything - it's a real car. They still complain. So, all the people who bought the Leaf are very happy. But a lot of people are testing the Leaf and not buying it. We asked them, why are you not buying the car?

There were two main answers: high price and worries about charging infrastructure. In the US, Nissan dropped the base price of the 2013 Leaf by $6,400 earlier this year and Ghosn said Nissan will "continue to reduce the price as a function of the cost." This will happen not just because of reduced shipping costs and less reliance on currency fluctuations, but because there are still efficiency gains to be had in the new production locations, Ghosn said. "It's not finished."

Continue reading Carlos Ghosn: it makes sense to focus on electric vehicles, cooperate on fuel cells

Carlos Ghosn: it makes sense to focus on electric vehicles, cooperate on fuel cells originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 10 May 2013 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carlos ghosnelectric vehiclenissannissan leafFri, 10 May 2013 11:52:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20525470/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20525470/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/10/carlos-ghosn-makes-sense-to-focus-on-electric-vehicles/20525470/article-detail.xml 20525470 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/carlos-ghosn-nyc-628-_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/carlos-ghosn-nyc-628-.jpg <![CDATA[Carlos Ghosn says no more battery swap cars]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/carlos-ghosn-says-no-more-battery-swap-cars/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/carlos-ghosn-says-no-more-battery-swap-cars/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/carlos-ghosn-says-no-more-battery-swap-cars/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Better Place Renault Fluence Z.E.

The world's biggest proponent of electric vehicles appears to be exchanging his support for the concept of swappable batteries. Renault-Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn says the Renault Fluence ZE will likely be the only model from the French automaker to have the ability for its battery to be changed out at battery-recharging stations such as the ones proposed by Better Place.

Ghosn says he isn't confident that consumers will embrace the concept and will likely prefer the simplicity of a single rechargeable battery in their vehicles, Energi Watch says. So far, the feature hasn't been much of a selling point for Renault, which has sold about 2,000 Fluence ZEs. Compare that to over 50,000 Nissan Leaf sales since the model's debut in late 2011.

Better Place has been roiled by financial losses and management changes, most recently deciding to close California and Australia operations to focus on Denmark and Israel station deployment. As of late last year, the company was said to have lost about $437 million since its 2007 inception. Better Place founder Shai Agassi resigned from the company last October.

Carlos Ghosn says no more battery swap cars originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 May 2013 19:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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France's own Renault Zoe EV

File this under the "if it's not one thing, it's another" department. France, whose largest automaker Renault is already addressing concerns over what may be less-than-expected demand for electric vehicles, has a power grid that may be insufficient should consumers adopt plug-in vehicles in substantial numbers, Reuters says.

The culprit is a combination of France's extensive use of nuclear power, which lacks the flexibility to cope with power-demand surges, and the widespread use of electric heaters during France's cold spells, which already strains the country's power supply. With France shooting to have 2 million plug-ins on its roads by the end of the decade, the prospect of more power-demand surges may further highlight France's power-grid limits, Reuters says, citing executives with some of the country's utilities. Fast chargers use about as much energy as a dozen electric hot-water heaters.

France's utility executives and analysts are hoping technology advances such as smart-charging, which facilitates off-peak grid use, may mitigate some of France's power-supply issues.

Renault started sales of its all-electric Zoe this month. Last month, the French government said it would order about 2,000 Zoe vehicles and 100 Fluence Z.E. EVs over the next three years.

French nuclear power grid could be strained by electric vehicles originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 08:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclefrancegovernmentpower gridpower supplyutilitiesMon, 01 Apr 2013 08:06:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20522203/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20522203/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/01/french-nuclear-power-grid-strained-electric-vehicles/20522203/article-detail.xml 20522203 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/renaultzoe-1364492976_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/renaultzoe-1364492976.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla Model S wins 2013 World Green Car of the Year]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/tesla-model-s-wins-2013-world-green-car-of-the-year/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/tesla-model-s-wins-2013-world-green-car-of-the-year/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/tesla-model-s-wins-2013-world-green-car-of-the-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 Tesla Model S at sunrise - front three-quarter view, black

The automotive journalist judges behind the World Green Car of the Year apparently with the overwhelming majority of AutoblogGreen readers, as they've just named the Tesla Model S their winner. We don't yet know what the official ballots were, but our informal poll had the Tesla beating the other two finalists - the all-electric Renault Zoe and the Volvo V60 plug-in hybrid - with over 82 percent of the vote.

This is just the latest win for the Model S. The all-electric sedan was named "Car of the Year" by both Automobile and Motor Trend in 2012 and even Time Magazine called it of the 25 Best Inventions of the year.

Previous winners include the Mercedes-Benz S250 CDI BlueEfficiency (2012), Chevrolet Volt (2011) Volkswagen BlueMotion (2010) and Honda FCX Clarity (2009).

Tesla Model S wins 2013 World Green Car of the Year originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 renault zoe2013 tesla model s2013 volvo v60car of the yearelectric vehiclegreen carplug-in hybridrenault zoeteslatesla model svolvo v60 plug in hybridworld green car of the yearThu, 28 Mar 2013 09:25:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20521605/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20521605/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/28/tesla-model-s-wins-2013-world-green-car-of-the-year/20521605/article-detail.xml 20521605 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2012-tesla-model-s-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2012-tesla-model-s-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Who should win 2013 World Green Car of the Year?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/who-should-win-2013-world-green-car-of-the-year/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/who-should-win-2013-world-green-car-of-the-year/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/who-should-win-2013-world-green-car-of-the-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Which is best new green car in the world - the all-electric Renault Zoe, the all-electric Tesla Model S or the Volvo V60 plug-in hybrid?

Those are the three finalists for the 2013 World Green Car of the Year award, and the winner will be announced later this week at the 2013 New York International Auto Show. The three finalists were named announced at the recent 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The annual award is limited to production vehicles that either are available to buy, or will be soon, on at least two of the world's continents.

The 2013 Volvo V60 plug-in hybrid already is sold out for this production year, the Tesla S has been controversial lately for a dispute over its range ability, and the Renault Zoe is not available in North America. We wonder how the judges will take all this into account?

The 2012 World Green Car of the Year winner was the Mercedes S 250 CDI clean diesel, which beat out the other finalists, the Ford Focus Electric and the Peugeot 3008.

View Poll

Continue reading Who should win 2013 World Green Car of the Year?

Who should win 2013 World Green Car of the Year? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 new york auto showdieselevnew york auto showphevrenault zoetesla model svolvo v60Mon, 25 Mar 2013 17:57:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20514847/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20514847/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/25/who-should-win-2013-world-green-car-of-the-year/20514847/article-detail.xml 20514847 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/world-green-car-of-the-year-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/world-green-car-of-the-year-628.jpg <![CDATA[Renault Zoe buyers can get a free home charging station]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/22/renault-zoe-buyers-can-get-a-free-home-charging-station/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/22/renault-zoe-buyers-can-get-a-free-home-charging-station/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/22/renault-zoe-buyers-can-get-a-free-home-charging-station/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Renault Zoe

Renault wants to get a running head start with early sales of its all-electric Zoe in the UK by offering free home-charging station for British customers, Hybrid Cars reports.

When the Zoe goes on sale in the UK in early June, buyers will have the option of getting free delivery and installation of a Single Wall-box, distributed by British Gas. The UK government is footing three-quarters of the bill for the stations (Renault's paying for the other 25 percent) as part of its 37-million-British-pound ($56 million US) investment in boosting plug-in adoption. The Single Wall-box can fully charge a Zoe in less than four hours.

Break that down, and the typical Zoe buyer will save about $760, not to mention the fact that Zoe buyers will have free use of stations within the UK's public charging network. As it is, the UK government is kicking in a 5,000-pound subsidy for each EV sold.

Renault Zoe buyers can get a free home charging station originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 22 Mar 2013 15:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charging stationrenaultSingle Wall-boxukzoeFri, 22 Mar 2013 15:54:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20514307/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20514307/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/22/renault-zoe-buyers-can-get-a-free-home-charging-station/20514307/article-detail.xml 20514307 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/renaultzoe_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/renaultzoe.jpg <![CDATA[Carlos Ghosn: For Renault and Nissan, 70,000 EVs sold is just the beginning]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/08/carlos-ghosn-for-renault-and-nissan-70-000-evs-sold-is-just-th/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/08/carlos-ghosn-for-renault-and-nissan-70-000-evs-sold-is-just-th/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/08/carlos-ghosn-for-renault-and-nissan-70-000-evs-sold-is-just-th/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

carlos ghosn geneva 2013

Navigating the new world of electric vehicles takes leaps of faith and lots of planning. It also requires someone at the helm who's ready to try different things and also stick to his guns. In other words, it's not easy. But Renault and Nissan head Carlos Ghosn keeps on moving forward.

Speaking at the Geneva Motor Show this week, Ghosn said the EV automotive landscape is changing ("I think the breakthrough will come from China," he said), but his key EV strategy remains the same: be ready to sell plug-in vehicles when customers are ready to buy them. Together, Renault and Nissan have sold 70,000 electric cars already, so Ghosn has some experience in this arena.

"The 70,000 people today who drive our electric cars are very happy with them."

"What is interesting about electric cars is that the perception has changed," he said. "Four or five years ago, when we started with electric cars, people considered the electric car like a golf cart. But with with Leaf and now the Zoe, these are very good cars - performance, acceleration, styling, comfort. The 70,000 people today who drive our electric cars are very happy with them."

It's not just a matter of buying a plug-in vehicle and loving it, Ghosn said. A robust local infrastructure combined with a suitable range are the big factors that play into how happy people are with their EVs, he said. Basically, if you have range (or charging everywhere), then you like your EV. If you worry all the time, you don't.

"You don't need to put all your eggs in one basket."

Of course, having a variety of models can't hurt, either. Ghosn said Nissan will have more electric models coming but, for now, Nissan and Renault approach EVs in their own way. "Each company is going to have a different strategy," he said. "Nissan preferred not to have cars which are not gasoline engines transformed into electric cars. And Renault said, "I am going to move directly with these cars first: Fluence, Kangoo. Nissan said I'm going to start with the Leaf which exists only as an electric. The Zoe and Twizy exist only as electrics, and from time to time having different strategies is not so bad. You don't need to put all your eggs in one basket and have the same strategies just because you are allied. You can test different solutions and different approaches, as long as you share basic elements."

Carlos Ghosn: For Renault and Nissan, 70,000 EVs sold is just the beginning originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 08 Mar 2013 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault Zoe

There's no quicker way to jump-start plug-in vehicle sales than a big order from the government. When it comes to Renault, France certainly is obliging. France's Union des Groupements d'Achats Publics (UGAP) is ordering 2,000 (!) Renault Zoe electric vehicles and another 100 Fluence Z.E. EVs during the next three years.

With a single-charge range of up to 100 miles, the Zoe should work well for French government fleet use, cutting emissions while undergoing testing for performance and how the EV can be further deployed among the general population. If all goes well, Renault may deliver as many as 17,000 EVs to the government and a group of 20 large companies, the automaker says.

Earlier this year, UK's Autocar reported that Renault was looking at switching up its marketing strategy to get more prospective customers behind the wheel of its plug-ins, including highlighting the fact that EVs are nearly silent when they're on the move. Carlos Ghosn, head of Renault and its sister company Nissan, predicted in 2011 that his automakers would sell a half-million plug-ins a year by the end of the decade. You can find Renault's press release below.

Continue reading French government orders 2,100 Renault Fluence, Zoe electric vehicles

French government orders 2,100 Renault Fluence, Zoe electric vehicles originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 22 Feb 2013 07:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleevfluencefrancerenaultugapUnion des Groupements dAchats PublicszoeFri, 22 Feb 2013 07:50:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20471139/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20471139/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/22/france-orders-2100-renault-fluence-zoe-electric-vehicles/20471139/article-detail.xml 20471139 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/zoe_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/zoe.jpg <![CDATA[Smart ForFour, Renault Twingo going rear-wheel drive on same platform]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/15/smart-forfour-renault-twingo-going-rear-wheel-drive-on-same-pla/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/15/smart-forfour-renault-twingo-going-rear-wheel-drive-on-same-pla/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/15/smart-forfour-renault-twingo-going-rear-wheel-drive-on-same-pla/#commentsFiled under: ,

2015 Smart ForFour / Renault Twingo prototype caught winter testing

The alliance between Smart parent Daimler and Renault-Nissan is getting stronger with word that the companies' ForFour and Twingo urban minicars will share a rear-wheel drive platform.

A three-year-old collaboration agreement has Renault-Nissan producing gasoline and electric versions of the ForFour alongside the similarly sized Twingo at the factory in Novo Mesto, Slovenia.

The agreement is designed to cut production costs. The bad news is that the new models won't launch until 2014, instead of in 2013 as both companies previously announced. The delay could be due to switching the Twingo from front- to rear-wheel drive, but neither manufacturer is confirming or denying this development. The two companies also are collaborating on a common electric powertrain and battery for EV versions of both models.

European sales of the Twingo fell 31 percent last year to less than 100,000 units, dropping the car to fourth in the segment behind the No. 1 Fiat Panda, Fiat 500 and Volkswagen Up!, according to data from market researcher JATO Dynamics. At the same time, Smart's global sales rose 2 percent to just over 100,000 vehicles, says Green Car Congress. Renault hopes that by moving the Twingo to rear-wheel drive, it will give them a unique talking point in sales. Us? We hope it will lead to higher-performance hot hatch, of which Renault has a strong history.

Smart ForFour, Renault Twingo going rear-wheel drive on same platform originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 15 Feb 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleforfourfortworenaultsmartsmart cartwingoFri, 15 Feb 2013 10:15:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20454638/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20454638/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/15/smart-forfour-renault-twingo-going-rear-wheel-drive-on-same-pla/20454638/article-detail.xml 20454638 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/smart-forfour-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/smart-forfour-628.jpg <![CDATA[Daimler, Ford and Nissan to collaborate on fuel cell tech]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/28/daimler-ford-and-nissan-to-collaborate-on-fuel-cell-tech/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/28/daimler-ford-and-nissan-to-collaborate-on-fuel-cell-tech/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/28/daimler-ford-and-nissan-to-collaborate-on-fuel-cell-tech/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Daimler, Ford and Nissan collaborate fuel cell tech

Team efforts to bring hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to market have gone truly worldwide. An announcement today from Daimler, Ford, and Nissan reveals that the three companies are going to work together on a "common fuel cell system" that should "speed up availability" of H2 vehicles at lower costs. The target is 2017, which is two years later than fuel cell vehicles should be arriving from Toyota, Hyundai and, yes, Nissan. Still, the positive spin on today's announcement is that the collaboration should "lead to launch of world's first affordable, mass-market fuel cell electric vehicles." We shall see. After all, the long-running joke is that hydrogen is the fuel of tomorrow, and always will be - the press release even notes that "together, Daimler, Ford and Nissan have more than 60 years of cumulative experience developing FCEVs [fuel cell electric vehicles]."

Still, among the three companies involved in the deal, Daimler has the most advanced (public) hydrogen fuel cell vehicle program, sending out lots of F-Cell vehicles for pilot programs as well as testing H2 technologies in things like buses for Davos delegates.

The agreement announced today involves both sharing technology, as well as "help[ing to] define global specifications and component standards." The shared tech will be a fuel cell stack, fuel cell system and "other FCEV components" that each company could use in its own vehicles.

Continue reading Daimler, Ford and Nissan to collaborate on fuel cell tech

Daimler, Ford and Nissan to collaborate on fuel cell tech originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 28 Jan 2013 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daimlerfcevfordfuel cellh2hydrogennissanzero-emissionMon, 28 Jan 2013 13:58:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20440632/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20440632/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/28/daimler-ford-and-nissan-to-collaborate-on-fuel-cell-tech/20440632/article-detail.xml 20440632 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/daimler-ford-nissan-fuel-cell_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/daimler-ford-nissan-fuel-cell.jpg <![CDATA[Renault, Smart deal down the drain?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/08/renault-smart-deal-down-the-drain/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/08/renault-smart-deal-down-the-drain/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/08/renault-smart-deal-down-the-drain/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

smart forstars concept

Two years after announcing they would develop a new generation of the Smart Fortwo together, sharing drivetrain and platform technology, Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler and Renault have reportedly cut the cord, and Smart will go it alone.

According to Britain's Car Magazine, the move was prompted by Renault in order to help trim an R&D budget inflated by costs to develop its own small electric cars, including the Twizy, which is comparable in looks and size to the Smart. Renault will continue working with Daimler to produce a larger four-seater Smart, an updated Forfour, for 2014.

Daimler entered the agreement with Renault after an earlier, similar agreement with BMW broke down. Since then, BMW has formed a satellite company, named simply i, to produce electric cars. The subcompact i3 city car is scheduled to go into production in 2013.

The new Smart Fortwo will be slightly longer and wider than the existing model, and also slightly less eco-friendly, since the diesel motor also is biting the dust, replaced by a normally aspirated three-cylinder, 0.9-liter gas engine. So far, the Fortwo has sold moderately well in North America, where models are priced from $12,490. According to Wards Auto, the top sales market for Smart is China.

A significant percentage of Smart cars in North America are part of Daimler's car-sharing program, called Car2go, in cities including Dallas, San Diego, Miami, Portland, Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto.

Renault, Smart deal down the drain? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 08 Jan 2013 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwelectric vehicleforfourfortwomercedes-benzrenaultsmartTue, 08 Jan 2013 08:03:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20417274/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20417274/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/08/renault-smart-deal-down-the-drain/20417274/article-detail.xml 20417274 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/smart-forstars-concept-press-driving_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/smart-forstars-concept-press-driving.jpg <![CDATA[Like Nissan, Renault will change electric car sales strategy]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/03/like-nissan-renault-will-change-electric-car-sales-strategy/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/03/like-nissan-renault-will-change-electric-car-sales-strategy/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/03/like-nissan-renault-will-change-electric-car-sales-strategy/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Renault Zoe

Australian rockers AC/DC sent many a head bangin' with the 1980 anthem, Rock and Roll Ain't Noise Pollution. Renault is rocking a similar message, albeit without electric guitars, to push lagging electric-vehicle sales.

The French automaker, like sister company Nissan, is looking to alternative marketing strategies to get more prospective car buyers to consider electric vehicles like the Zoe, UK's Autocar reports. And that means, among other things, promoting the fact that EVs are far quieter than conventional vehicles, in addition to being emissions-free.

Renault marketing chief Stephen Norman tells Autocar that talking up the relative silence of EVs helps conveys the fact that such vehicles are well engineered in addition to being energy efficient. Part of the trick will be getting more people to test-drive cars like the Zoe, which started sales in Europe last month.

Nissan-Renault chief Carlos Ghosn raised eyebrows in late 2011 when he predicted that the two companies would sell as many as a half-million EVs a year by the end of the decade. Since then, though, Nissan and Renault EV sales have not reached numbers that would put the companies on track to hit that target. And last month, Nissan executive Al Castignetti admitted that Nissan was "a little bit arrogant" in its rollout strategy for the US, adding that the company needed to do a better job aggressively targeting potential buyers most likely to consider an EV.

Like Nissan, Renault will change electric car sales strategy originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 03 Jan 2013 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleeuropeleafnissanquietrenaultstrategyzoeThu, 03 Jan 2013 10:04:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20415529/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20415529/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/03/like-nissan-renault-will-change-electric-car-sales-strategy/20415529/article-detail.xml 20415529 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/zoe_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/zoe.jpg <![CDATA[All-electric Renault Twizy used for Self Drive Audio Tours]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/all-electric-renault-twizy-used-for-self-drive-audio-tours/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/all-electric-renault-twizy-used-for-self-drive-audio-tours/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/all-electric-renault-twizy-used-for-self-drive-audio-tours/#commentsFiled under: , ,

renault twizy

Self-drive touring is one of the fastest-growing trends in travel, according to a recent article in the magazine published by the American Society of Travel Agents. A Portuguese company, ToGuide is ahead of the curve here, and is offering a way to tour European cities by renting small, two-seat all-electric Renault Twizy vehicles outfitted with an audio guide and GPS.

The Twizy is small enough to negotiate narrow streets in historic districts, such as in Barcelona, where rental includes free parking and free recharging. A 24-hour rental is 60 Euros, which is comparable to an all-day organized bus tour for two. ToGuide is marketing GPS city tours in as many as 32 languages to tour operators and visitor bureaus throughout Europe.

The audio tours highlight points of interest, sorted by theme. So, travelers can select by routes by historical, cultural or architectural significance. The audio tours also help users find restaurants.

The Twizy was introduced as a concept car at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, and the production model was introduced a year later at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. It is equipped with a 13-kW, 17-horsepower electric motor and has a top speed of 50 miles per hour. It has a range of 60 miles and can be fully recharged in under four hours. There's also a low-power version more suitable for corporate campuses or vacation resorts, driven by a 4-kW, 5-hp motor. This version does not require the driver to have a license.

Both versions - classified as quadrycycles, not cars - use lithium-ion batteries located under the front seats. The Twizy is just over seven feet long, which means it can squeeze into the smallest parking spaces.

All-electric Renault Twizy used for Self Drive Audio Tours originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 02 Jan 2013 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclegpsrenaultself-driveself-guided toursto guidetwizyWed, 02 Jan 2013 14:31:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20412986/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20412986/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/02/all-electric-renault-twizy-used-for-self-drive-audio-tours/20412986/article-detail.xml 20412986 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/renault-twizy-paris-2010_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/renault-twizy-paris-2010.jpg <![CDATA[Renault's Australian EV launch delayed by Better Place issues]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/19/renaults-australian-ev-launch-delayed-by-better-place-issues/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/19/renaults-australian-ev-launch-delayed-by-better-place-issues/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/19/renaults-australian-ev-launch-delayed-by-better-place-issues/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

renault fluence ze

Better Place continues to be a bit of a misnomer as issues with the electric-vehicle battery-switching network have delayed Renault's plans to debut its Fluence Z.E. electric vehicle in Australia, Car Advice reports.

Renault, whose EV is designed to allow for battery swapping, was originally slated to debut Down Under by June 2012, is delaying sales because Better Place's network of battery-switching stations were not ready on time. Delays in Better Place's infrastructure in Israel and Denmark are pushing back the Australia dates. A Better Place spokeswoman admitted to Car Advice that Better Place's original deadlines were "ambitious."

As a result, the Renault will start sales in Canberra, its first Australian market, in mid-2013 and will be distributed across Australia by the following year. The Fluence Z.E. is said to have a single-charge range of about 115 miles.

In October, Better Place founder Shai Agassi was pushed out by the company's board of directors and replaced by Evan Thornley, who had been CEO of Better Place Australia. Earlier this month, the Israeli business publication Globes reported that Better Place may fire as many as 200 workers, many of which work on the company's software.

Better Place has been estimated to have lost about $437 million since being founded in 2007. In November, the company announced it would attempt to sell about $100 million in company equity.

Renault's Australian EV launch delayed by Better Place issues originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 19 Dec 2012 13:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiabetter placecanberraFluenceFluence Z.E.renaultWed, 19 Dec 2012 13:54:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20406920/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20406920/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/19/renaults-australian-ev-launch-delayed-by-better-place-issues/20406920/article-detail.xml 20406920 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/renault-fluence-ze_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/renault-fluence-ze.jpg <![CDATA[As Renault delivers first Zoe, company's EV strategy questioned]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/19/as-renault-delivers-first-zoe-companys-ev-strategy-questioned/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/19/as-renault-delivers-first-zoe-companys-ev-strategy-questioned/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/19/as-renault-delivers-first-zoe-companys-ev-strategy-questioned/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Renault Zoe first delivery

Arnaud Montebourg, France's Minister of Industrial Recovery, was handed the keys to the first Renault Zoe electric car on December 17 by Carlos Tavares, Renault Group's chief operating officer. Renault calls the Zoe the "first broadly affordable full-electric car," and the EV qualifies for a 7,000-euro government incentive in France, bringing the price down to 13,700 euros (including VAT).

Montebourg is the first customer to take delivery of a Zoe before the widespread launch in the Renault network in the spring of 2013. In a press release (available below), Tavares said the delivery, was a "vital step in Renault's electric vehicle offensive." The way the French government has supported Renault is "a decisive advantage for making France a robust cornerstone of electric vehicle development and serves to reinforce Renault's position as a French champion on the international stage," Tavares said.

Frost & Sullivan's senior consultant Nicolas Meilhan might see Tavares' statement as being far from the truth. While Renault has placed itself at the forefront of producing EVs in Europe, it's one of the vehicle manufacturers with the worst performance in Europe, Meilhan said. Renault has invested about $5 billion in EVs, but the company is way off the mark, in Meilhan's perspective.

"A lot of people think the EV is the perfect car for the city. But the truth is it only addresses the local pollution issue; it neither addresses the congestion problems nor the parking issue most cities face today," Meilhan said in an interview.

Reducing vehicle weight is the best way to reduce CO2 emissions and energy consumption, especially in cities, he said. As an example, a gasoline-powered Twizy (if there were such a thing - there's only an electric version of the tiny car on the market) would weigh about 500 kilograms and would emit less CO2 than the Zoe, which weighs about 1,400 kg.

Meilhan would like to see a more far-reaching strategy embraced by European governments and automakers than EVs - like bicycling. "If you compare the same Renault Zoe (EV) with a bike, the easiest means of transport in the city, then you have to put more than 140 people into the car in order to make it as energy efficient as your 10 kg bike," he explained.

What's even more strange has been how long it's taken Renault to produce and deliver the Zoe to the market. Earlier this year, Renault said the Zoe would be on the market and selling more units in Europe by the end of the year than its electric cousin, the Nissan Leaf. Renault just delivered the first Zoe late in the year. If it's so "vital," what's took so long?

Continue reading As Renault delivers first Zoe, company's EV strategy questioned

As Renault delivers first Zoe, company's EV strategy questioned originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 19 Dec 2012 11:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclesFrancelight weight vehiclesNissan LeafRenault Zoetraffic congestionzero emission vehiclesWed, 19 Dec 2012 11:47:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20406798/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20406798/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/19/as-renault-delivers-first-zoe-companys-ev-strategy-questioned/20406798/article-detail.xml 20406798 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/renault-zoe-first-delivery-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/renault-zoe-first-delivery-628.jpg <![CDATA[Renault pushes for single fast- and slower-charging port for EVs]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/renault-pushes-for-single-fast-and-slower-charging-port-evs/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/renault-pushes-for-single-fast-and-slower-charging-port-evs/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/renault-pushes-for-single-fast-and-slower-charging-port-evs/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Renault Zoe

The US may be considered one big melting pot, but it's a French automaker that wants us all to get along when it comes to standard, home-charging system and the fast-charging devices that are likely to become more commonplace.

Renault has developed a system in which its electric vehicles require just one charging port for both standard and fast charges, Plug In Cars reports. Unlike the Leaf, which is made by Renault's sister company Nissan, Renault doesn't have two charging ports on board. Instead, Renault has patented a system in which fast charging is conducted in AC instead of DC, eliminating the need for a second charging port.

Ever the beneficiary of more electric-vehicle awareness, Renault is sharing such fast-AC-charging technology, which is also supported by Volvo and Daimler AG's Smart. While not everyone will be excited about yet another fast-charging system, Italy is already installing such fast-AC charging systems across the country. One obvious benefit? The stations cost about 75 percent less to build than fast-DC charging systems.

Renault pushes for single fast- and slower-charging port for EVs originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 28 Nov 2012 15:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acdcelectric vehiclefast chargingnissanrenaultWed, 28 Nov 2012 15:54:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20389922/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20389922/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/28/renault-pushes-for-single-fast-and-slower-charging-port-evs/20389922/article-detail.xml 20389922 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/zoe-1354082811_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/zoe-1354082811.jpg <![CDATA[Renault Twizy is Europe's best-selling electric vehicle]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/renault-twizy-is-europes-best-selling-electric-vehicle/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/renault-twizy-is-europes-best-selling-electric-vehicle/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/renault-twizy-is-europes-best-selling-electric-vehicle/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Renault Twizy EV

Good news or bad news?

That's what some electric-vehicle advocates may be asking after the Renault Twizy mini-car was reported to be Europe's best-selling electric vehicle. The two-tandem-seat Twizy moved 7,895 units between its March debut and the end of September, Business Insider reports.

That the Twizy tops the European EV sales chart speaks as much to the challenges of selling EVs as it does to the popularity of the comparatively cheap Twizy, which has a $12,300 base price plus a $75-a-month battery-lease cost. The 17-horsepower quadricycle is 92 inches long, or about a foot shorter than the Smart ForTwo.

Renault's all-electric Zoe will debut later this year. Earlier this month, the Zoe won the Royal Automobile Club's (RAC) Future Car Challenge in the UK.

Renault Twizy is Europe's best-selling electric vehicle originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 11:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleeuropeevev salesrenaultsalestwizytwo-seaterTue, 13 Nov 2012 11:48:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20377311/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20377311/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/13/renault-twizy-is-europes-best-selling-electric-vehicle/20377311/article-detail.xml 20377311 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/twizy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/twizy.jpg -1 2