Renault Zoe Zero Emission Z.E. Concept [Video]

By Thami Masemola
September 15, 2009 4:54 PM
Filed Under: Concept Car, European, Frankfurt Motor Show, Renault

One of four zero-emission concepts by Renault is now in the public domain thanks to the Frankfurt Motor Show. The Zoe Z.E. Concept was designed to meet ever-growing cleaner driving needs but also provide buyers with a pretty-looking mode of transport. Of course this is a subjective matter but that was the aim nonetheless.

The concept is 4.1m long, 1.8m wide, 1.5m high and its wheelbase is not bad at 2.6m. Power is stored in the lithium-ion batteries and the system is able to conjure up some 70kW (95hp) and maximum torque of 225Nm. There are no 0 - 100km/h sprint figures available yet but Renault says it will reach top velocity of 140km/h (87mph). The mated transmission type is direct drive with forward/reverse inverters.

The rear end features a retractable spoiler with LED lighting technology, that deploys at speeds over 90km/h. It also serves as a brake light, just like the integrated light in the shark's fin-type aerial on the roof.

Some of the Zoe Z.E. Concept's technical highlights include a roof that insulates from heat or cold and also recovers energy via its honeycomb photovoltaic cells. The rear and front lights are protected from small impacts by a polyurethane gel while the batteries are cooled by the air intakes located on either side of the car. Both sets of entry doors are designed differently; front doors are scissor types while the rear features butterfly-style doors which also act as boot entry points.

Get this; the air blown by the climate control system inside comes mixed with a hydrating substance to keep the skin soft. There's also the Active scent function to create an interior mood using smells and a Detox function that extracts harmful substances from the cabin. These systems were developed in conjunction with a division of L'Oréal.

Source: Renault

Press Release (Click to expand)

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.

AN ECONOMICAL AND ECOLOGICAL SOLUTION

Zoe Z.E. Concept targets motorists who own more than one car and who are looking for a compact,

versatile vehicle capable of meeting their varied day-to-day needs, such as the school or work run, or shopping trips.

Zoe Z.E. Concept is an all-electric, zero-emission vehicle which reconciles motoring with the

environmental aspirations of customers looking for a vehicle with the best possible ecological footprint.

SLEEK STYLING

Zoe Z.E. Concept invites its occupants to enjoy familiar pleasures.

Using 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.

Zoe Z.E. Concept is just 4.10m long and is powered by a 70kW electric motor which develops 226Nm of torque. It is easy to imagine the vehicle making its way silently through traffic in built-up areas. The large 21-inch wheels and large body panels are reassuring touches that give the four occupants complete peace of mind when travelling out of town.

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 electroluminescent 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 FULLY 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, minerallike 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 TECHNIQUES

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.

TECHNICAL DATA

Type Electric

Transmission type

Direct drive with

forward/reverse inverters

Maximum power EEC (kW/hp) 70/95

Maximum torque EEC (Nm) 225

BATTERY

Type Lithium-ion

Range 160km

STEERING AND BRAKES

Power steering