Take a look at the brand new electric concept car (below) from Renault scheduled to be launched at this year’s Paris Motor Show.
The dazzling concept is known as DeZir – a direct reference to Renault’s ZE signature for its forthcoming electric vehicles. Powered by an electric motor mounted in a mid-rear position to optimise weight distribution, the car uses a vertically mounted 24kWh lithium-ion battery for a range of 99miles.
The Renault DeZir electric car concept.
Three battery charging methods can be used – a standard charge using a conventional household plug; a fast charge using a 400V three-phase current; and a fast battery exchange with Renault’s Quick Drop technology. The battery is cooled by the air channelled from the front to the back of the car and by the flow of air that enters through the lateral scoops that are concealed behind aluminium panels on either side of the body.
To optimise performance, the weight has been kept at a minimum with the body made from Kevlar, and a tubular steel frame also employed. Its power and torque is 110kW and 226Nm respectively, while it can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just five seconds.
The Renault DeZir’s energy efficiency is further enhanced by a Kinetic Energy Recovery System that is used in Formula One. This recovers deceleration energy and can provide a temporary power boost at the moment the driver chooses by using a button located on the steering wheel.
