Renault has revealed an all-new electric vehicle concept it is calling Frendzy. A compact commercial vehicle, the model is designed to be flexible to keep up with the demands of modern life, by also making a comfortable car too.
According to the French car maker, which is already about to launch four electric vehicles into full production by the end of 2012, the Frendzy represents the world of work, in the same way its EV DeZir concept represented the notion of love and the Captur concept represented the freedom to explore the world.
Frendzy is intended to be an adaptable solution, suited to the modern users, where the worlds of work and home life are often interwoven. Drivers constantly find themselves swapping from one world to the other-this were the Frendzy is intended to be a partner that takes the strain out of this busy lifestyle.
Laurens van den Acker, Senior Vice President, Design Renault said: “Frendzy is the fourth vehicle to illustrate Renault’s new design strategy, a series which started with DeZir. It takes an original and innovative stance on the world of light commercial vehicles – a key part of Renault’s activities”.
Inside the Frendzy, the passenger side features no glazing or centre pillar, just one conventional door and one sliding side door which incorporates a 37-inch widescreen display. This is the world of work. The driver’s side, complete with side windows, still no centre pillar, but with centre opening doors, represents the world of the family. Ease of loading and ease of entry go without saying in both worlds.
On weekdays, Frendzy is a vehicle that adapts to the requirements of the business user, with a large external screen that can display useful messages or information (such as “making deliveries” or “back in five minutes”, the battery-charging method or the remaining charge) or advertising messages, either whilst parked or on the move. Come the weekend, the vehicle transforms itself into a family vehicle, with a comfortable passenger seat and, in the rear, a big bench seat. Depending on their mood of the moment, children can watch a film or play games on the touch-sensitive pad which slides out from the back of the driver’s seat. They can even draw on a special blackboard-style slate integrated into the sliding door.
The driver, likewise, can adapt the vehicle to his or her needs. In ‘work’ mode, the rear-view mirrors sit upright and the interior lighting is green; in ‘family’ mode, the mirrors swivel round to the horizontal position and the interior is bathed in a radiant orange ambience. Coloured repeater lights in the headlights and tail lights provide an external indication of the mode in which FRENDZY is operating.
Like DeZir, which was unveiled at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, FRENDZY is an electric vehicle. Set to make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September, the model uses the same powertrain as that of the soon to launch Kangoo Van Z.E., although the charging point – located under the Renault logo at the front of the vehicle – is identical to that shown on ZOE Preview.
Size-wise, the Frenzy measure 4,091mm long and 1,872 mm wide and has a load capacity of 2,250litres. Its 44kW electric motor and lithium ion batteries give the new concept 226Nm of torque and 130kph (81mph) top speed.
