2012 Renault Fluence Z.E.

Renault and Better Place partner in Australia to launch Fluence Z.E. in 2012

Better Place and Renault today announced a strategic partnership in Australia, expanding their global relationship by bringing the world's first mass market, zero-emission car with a switchable battery to the region. Únder this agreement, Renault will import the first electric car equipped with a switchable battery, the Fluence Z.E. into Australia, and Better Place will provide the electric car charging network and services that make the car more convenient and affordable for the mass market.

Renault and Better Place will commence a joint marketing campaign in the lead up to launch in 2012. The cars will arrive in Australia by the middle of 2012 for the first customers in Canberra, with general sales due to commence later in the year. Customers will buy the Fluence Z.E. from Renault and sign up for a Better Place membership package that is tailored for their driving needs.

Renault Fluence Z.E.
Renault has developed Fluence Z.E., an elegant, family electric car that features a switchable battery. As the first production mid size sedan electric vehicle, Renault Fluence Z.E. targets both private motorists and fleet operators who are looking for a vehicle that is both economical to run and respectful of the environment.

The switchable battery technology completely offsets the range limitation of traditional EVs, as a depleted battery can be exchanged for a fully charged one at Better Place's fully automated battery switch stations. The car will be fully compliant with ADR. The Fluence Z.E. will offer Australian drivers a range of 185 kilometers on a full charge, under the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC); however the effective range of the vehicle is unlimited. This infinite range is due to the convenience of the switchable batteries that enable drivers to immediately 'fill up' their Fluence Z.E. via a fully automated process in any Better Place battery switch station, in less time than it takes to fill up with petrol.

A widespread infrastructure and an attractive offer


The Better Place membership provides unlimited access to batteries, the network of public charge spots and battery switch stations, and personal charge spots at home or work. The membership also includes supply of 100% renewable electricity, personalised energy management and navigation services via in-car and network software and 24-hour access to customer service and support. The membership packages give drivers a fixed price for their mobility, freeing them form the constant volatility of petrol prices.

When combined with the Better Place network, the Renault Fluence Z.E. is the first mass-market, electric car with unlimited range. It gives Australian drivers the same freedom they enjoy with a petrol car, but with zero oil and zero emissions.

A comprehensive network to purchase and maintain Fluence Z.E.


Customers will be able to purchase Fluence Z.E. in selected Renault dealers, as well as through Better Place Experience Centres. Those centres will provide visitors with a full experience of electric mobility. As for maintenance, most Renault dealers will provide after sales for Fluence Z.E., both for regular service and specific repairs.

Zero-emission mobility, a concept adapted to Australian cities


Renault and Better Place are committed to promoting zero-emission mobility, primarily for urban and suburban driving. Australian homes have an average of 2.7 cars per household and one million new passenger and light commercial vehicles are sold every year. Average fuel consumption is 11 l/100 km and average mileage 20,000 to 25,000 km a year. The petroleum cost per household is 45% higher in Australia than in France owing to higher mileage.

Thierry Koskas, Renault ‘s VP for Electric Vehicle program declared: 'We are delighted to announce this partnership today. Electric mobility is a key strategic move from Renault. Together with Nissan, Renault will be investing 4 billion euros in electric cars. Fluence Z.E. is the first electric car that enables virtually unlimited mileage, thanks to the battery swap technology. It will be sold everywhere in Europe and together with Better Place, in Israel and Denmark. We think Fluence Z.E., together with Better Place switch stations, will be a very attractive offer for Australian customers, who traditionally commute long distances. This partnership will contribute a lot to the Renault brand awareness in Australia, thanks to this unique and innovative offer.'

'Today marks the natural next step between Better Place and Renault and builds on nearly four years of close collaboration between the two companies. Únder this agreement we are giving Australian drivers access to fully electric cars and a ubiquitous charge network that present a real alternative to the tyranny of petrol prices. Together, Better Place and Renault are taking a critical step to accelerate the transition to sustainable transport in a large country like Australia', said Evan Thornley, CEO of Better Place Australia.

Source - Renault

Fluence Z.E.: the first affordable electric saloon car. Sales begin in November, 2011.

In each of the three countries where Renault has reached agreements with Better Place (Israel, Denmark and Australia), Fluence Z.E. will be the first electric car to offer unlimited range thanks to the availability of bespoke stations where it will be possible to swap batteries. This service will be available to fleet operators and private motorists alike. In Europe, Fluence Z.E. will above all interest fleet owners looking for a prestige electric saloon car which does not emit any emissions during its use on the road.

Depending on country, customers who reserved their vehicle early will be able to place priority orders for Kangoo Z.E. or Fluence Z.E. at the end of September, 2011.

Source - Renault