2010 Renault Zoe Z.E. Concept

ZOE Z.E. Concept: ZERO EMISSIONS AND A PERFECTLY REASSURING RIDE

Zoe Z.E. Concept is evidence that an all-electric zero-emission vehicle can also boast smart, appealing looks. Zoe Z.E. Concept's special roof optimizes the management of the climate control system to ensure extended range, while the ambience inside the cabin can be customized. Over and above its traditional role, the climate control system breaks new ground thanks to its hydrating, 'detox'
and active scent functions which combine to enhance the travelling experience. Zoe Z.E. Concept is a compact, versatile daily driver which represents a new way of experiencing mobility thanks to a choice of three battery-charging techniques.

Source - Renault

Zoe Z.E. Concept is evidence that an all-electric zero-emission vehicle can also boast smart, appealing looks. Zoe Z.E. Concept features technology aimed at extending its range and enhancing the travelling comfort of all occupants.
Zoe Z.E. Concept is a compact, versatile daily driver which represents a new way of
experiencing mobility.





SLEEK STYLING
Zoe Z.E. Concept invites its occupants to enjoy familiar pleasures. Úsing cutting-edge electric-vehicle technology, Zoe Z.E. Concept is proof that a zero-emission vehicle can also possess a dynamic, edgy, attractive design which immediately points to driving enjoyment.


Aerodynamics have a significant influence on the performance of a zero-emission vehicle and, in the case of the Zoe Z.E. Concept project, the overriding concerns regarding design were elegance and efficiency.



At the rear, a retractable spoiler deploys at speeds in excess of 90kph to make a further contribution to Zoe Z.E. Concept's aerodynamic efficiency. This LED-equipped spoiler also serves as a brake light, as does the integrated light in the shark's fin-type aerial on the roof.

The exterior design of Zoe Z.E. Concept incorporates technologies aimed at reasserting its
'zero-emission' credentials:
· The roof has been designed as an intelligent protective membrane that insulates the occupants from heat and cold, as well as optimizing climate control performance by recovering energy via its honeycomb photovoltaic cells.
· At front and rear, a shield of polyurethane gel protects the lights which feature energy-efficient electrolumines cent diodes that emit a blue-tinted light. This second skin protects vulnerable components from small knocks in town, while underlining this electric concept car's hi-tech feel.
· The air intakes situated either side of the car channel airflow to cool the batteries. The air is extracted through two large rear channels through which it is possible to glimpse the streamlined suspension arms.
· Rearward vision is handled by two small, profiled, energy-efficient cameras which transmit images to the interior rear view mirror, giving the driver perfect visibility without blind spots.
· The front features scissor doors, while rear access is through butterfly-style doors. The clever and original design of the rear doors means they also double up as openings for the boot, allowing carrying space to be accessed from the side, from the pavement, for example.

AN INTERIOR DESIGNED TO PROFIT FÚLLY FROM THE SILENT RIDE
The form of the front seat cushions resembles that of an asymmetric pebble, while the seatbacks are attached to the roof. At the rear, the seats can be folded flat with a view to obtaining additional carrying capacity.

The dashboard contributes to the interior's uncluttered feel. It is covered with an intelligent, mineral-like membrane and the lightest of touches calls up a range of touchscreen controls. The wide TFT (Thin Film Transistor) screen is housed in a glass bubble. This is the central information point for Zoe Z.E. Concept and serves to display navigation data, the charge indicator and remaining range, as well as a pallet of coloured mood lighting options which enable the interior ambiance to be customized.

This mood lighting can also be selected automatically via a sensor in the seat which will tone the lighting to match the colours of the driver's clothes.

Information is presented by an avatar that appears on the TFT screen, creating a link between the driver and the technology thanks to short messages. The avatar can be personalized (male, female, downloadable from the internet), and provides information about traffic conditions, the route and remaining range. It can also indicate the nearest charging points. This way of humanizing the technology makes it more accessible and creates a relationship with the driver to ensure that journeys are as pleasant as possible.

The hands-free keycard can be personalized, too, by fixing a chip to an object of the customer's choosing to enable automatic door locking and ignition.

Finally, the climate control system does much more than simply adjusts the temperature. It also enhances the travelling experience thanks to an innovative triple-function system:
· Hydrating function. In contrast to conventional climate control systems, which can tend to dry out the air, small dashboard-mounted vaporizers spray an exclusive active substance to rehydrate the skin and exude a sensation of wellbeing.
· 'Detox' function. A toxicity sensor monitors air quality and shuts off the airvents if required. Then, in addition to extracting harmful substances, the cabin filters deliver others which benefit the skin.
· Active scent function. An electric system exhales essential oils suited to the mood of the moment: something mellow for a relaxing drive home, perhaps, or the need to stimulate concentration when driving at night.

This triple-function system has been developed in association with Biotherm®, the skin biology brand of L'Oréal's Luxury Products Division.

After a journey in Zoe Z.E. Concept, occupants will feel more relaxed, just like after a spa treatment.

THREE BATTERY-CHARGING TECHNIQÚES
The driver has three options when it comes to 'filling up' on energy:
· A standard charge: takes between four and eight hours, via a charging socket situated on the outside of the vehicle.
· A quick charge: in 20 minutes, using the same socket at specific charging points.
· The exclusive 'Quickdrop' system: three minutes at a rapid battery exchange station.

Source - Renault

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 wellbeing, 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 MAXIMÚM 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.





• 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



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.

Source - Renault