Renault Zoe Z.E. Concept Announced for Launch in 2012

By Zack Newmark
November 4, 2009 6:28 PM
Filed Under: Concept Car, Electric Vehicle, European, Renault

Renault has announced plans to launch the Renault Zoe Zero Emissions Concept within a few years, and it will have a replaceable battery that can be changed out in just three minutes.  The all-electric vehicle, co-designed in part by L'Oreal Luxury Products, will hit the world stage in 2012.

The Zoe Z.E. will be introduced to the world as Renault's direction for next-generation electric vehicles.  The company has a slate of EVs scheduled to come onto the market in 2011.  Performance figures were not revealed, but the car has an ability to be adequately charged in 20 minutes, with a full charge taking from four to eight hours, depending on voltage.

Renault's EV concept will also feature a "Quickdrop" battery swap feature, that allows an empty battery pack to be swapped with a fully-charged pack in a matter of minutes.

It is the vehicle's "spa" theme that helped bring cosmetics firm L'Oreal into the fold.  Their Biotherm team of engineers helped design an air conditioning system that keeps skin hydrated, and closes vents as pollution is detected.  The team also created "an electric system [that] diffuses essential oils," supposedly helping people to relax in a "spa" setting.

Hopefully, this is more hype than reality; sleepy drivers cannot possibly be a good thing.


Press Release (Click to expand)

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 well-being, 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 MAXIMUM 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.

Drivers can "fill up" in one of three ways:

  • Standard charge: in 4 to 8 hours, using a recharge socket outside the car
  • 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

LEADING-EDGE SCIENTIFIC PARTNERSHIP

Biotherm research teams and Renault engineers and designers have combined their expertise in a
co-innovation partnership.

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.

 

 

Comments

alessandro
November 4, 2009 6:41 PM
Hopefully that spa-thing will be an optional gadget, A lot of people among us can survive in normal humidity too and spend the price of that option for additional horse powers to drive to....Rivera.

MutantSushi
November 5, 2009 5:08 AM
Lovely article, but... does the humidifier use EVIAN water?

downmeltdown
November 8, 2009 9:26 AM
wow The child is in dangerous place...

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