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:
- 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.
- 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. - 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.
Related Articles
Comments
Add Comment
- Audi A7 Spied Undisguised
- Race Prepared Fiat 500 by Romeo Ferraris Packs 360hp
- 9ff Speed9 Based on Porsche 997 Turbo Revealed
- New Porsche Boxster Spyder Photos Released
- Hyundai Kia Announces New 2.4 Theta II GDI Engine
- Abt Golf VI GTD Tuning Program Announced
- Opel Corsa Gets Mid-Cycle Refresh Without Facelift
- VW Approves Porsche Merger
Latest F1 News
Argentine signs conditional USF1 race deal
Nov 21, 09 1:33 PM
Williams sells team share to Toto Wolff
Nov 20, 09 8:30 PM
De la Rosa, Villeneuve, Summerton linked to USF1
Nov 20, 09 8:00 PM
WRC options emerge for Raikkonen
Nov 20, 09 7:30 PM
Sauber waits while FIA considers Toyota penalty
Nov 20, 09 7:00 PM
Still no deal for 2010 British GP - Ecclestone
Nov 20, 09 6:30 PM
Neel Jani to test Force India at Jerez
Nov 20, 09 6:00 PM
Persistent Schu/Merc rumours played down again
Nov 20, 09 5:30 PM
Mercedes GP in no hurry to replace Button
Nov 20, 09 5:00 PM
Button switched for less money and 'new challenge'
Nov 20, 09 4:30 PM













