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Renault will introduce an economy electric compact model, called the K-Ze, in 2019. The global “SUV-inspired” model will be first launched in China and offer 155 miles of range on the outgoing NEDC cycle.
The car maker revealed a concept version of the K-Ze on the eve of the Paris motor show.
Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn also confirmed that a hybrid Clio and plug-in hybrid Captur and Mégane variants would arrive in Europe in 2020, but gave no details on range.
Ghosn added that Renault had been investing in EVs for over a decade, and that it was the only firm to make profit from EVs so far.
The vehicles form the next stage in Renault’s electrification strategy.
While Renault’s electric Zoe supermini remains at the forefront of electric car sales (only the Nissan Leaf sells more globally), the French car maker has remained quiet in recent years about its broader electrification plans.
In that time, many of its mainstream rivals, such as Peugeot, Citroën and Ford, have announced their respective strategies.
The Twingo-sized K-Ze, which will sit below the Zoe in dimensions and cost, will arrive in China first because it is the fastest-growing market for electric cars, said Renault.
It is expected to arrive in Europe by 2021, with the final car expected to stay very close to the concept version revealed at Paris.
"Developed markets or developing market can get this car. For me, this is a real revolution. This is car is going to be extremely competitive on all markets in the world," Ghosn said.
The baby EV will be manufactured in China by eGT New Energy Automotive Co, the joint venture with Dongfeng Motor Group and Nissan, created “to develop and produce competitive electric vehicles for the Chinese market”, according to Renault.
It is not yet clear where European-sold K-Ze models will be made.
"We know the competition is going to be fierce [in China]," Ghosn explained, "but we can not do worse than today, because we have zero electric products today."
The K-Ze will get rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera and a central screen with connected navigation and services.
The model is based on Renault and Nissan’s joint CMF A platform, currently used on the Renault Kwid, a popular car in India.
Renault said the architecture is heavily adapted for this new model, both for EV application and also Chinese and global markets. The whole sub-frame and the axles are, for instance, specific to this electric car.
Ghosn said: “Groupe Renault was a pioneer and is the European leader in electric vehicles. We are introducing K-Ze, an affordable, urban, SUV-inspired electric model combining the best of Groupe Renault: our leadership in EV, our expertise in affordable vehicles and in forging strong partnerships.”
Ghosn also announced plans for new services within future cars. Called the Augmented Editorial Experience, the “immersive” product combines content, connectivity services and media, “turning travel time into a learning experience”.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/renault-reveals-value-k-ze-electric-car
The car maker revealed a concept version of the K-Ze on the eve of the Paris motor show.
Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn also confirmed that a hybrid Clio and plug-in hybrid Captur and Mégane variants would arrive in Europe in 2020, but gave no details on range.
Ghosn added that Renault had been investing in EVs for over a decade, and that it was the only firm to make profit from EVs so far.
The vehicles form the next stage in Renault’s electrification strategy.
While Renault’s electric Zoe supermini remains at the forefront of electric car sales (only the Nissan Leaf sells more globally), the French car maker has remained quiet in recent years about its broader electrification plans.
In that time, many of its mainstream rivals, such as Peugeot, Citroën and Ford, have announced their respective strategies.
The Twingo-sized K-Ze, which will sit below the Zoe in dimensions and cost, will arrive in China first because it is the fastest-growing market for electric cars, said Renault.
It is expected to arrive in Europe by 2021, with the final car expected to stay very close to the concept version revealed at Paris.
"Developed markets or developing market can get this car. For me, this is a real revolution. This is car is going to be extremely competitive on all markets in the world," Ghosn said.
The baby EV will be manufactured in China by eGT New Energy Automotive Co, the joint venture with Dongfeng Motor Group and Nissan, created “to develop and produce competitive electric vehicles for the Chinese market”, according to Renault.
It is not yet clear where European-sold K-Ze models will be made.
"We know the competition is going to be fierce [in China]," Ghosn explained, "but we can not do worse than today, because we have zero electric products today."
The K-Ze will get rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera and a central screen with connected navigation and services.
The model is based on Renault and Nissan’s joint CMF A platform, currently used on the Renault Kwid, a popular car in India.
Renault said the architecture is heavily adapted for this new model, both for EV application and also Chinese and global markets. The whole sub-frame and the axles are, for instance, specific to this electric car.
Ghosn said: “Groupe Renault was a pioneer and is the European leader in electric vehicles. We are introducing K-Ze, an affordable, urban, SUV-inspired electric model combining the best of Groupe Renault: our leadership in EV, our expertise in affordable vehicles and in forging strong partnerships.”
Ghosn also announced plans for new services within future cars. Called the Augmented Editorial Experience, the “immersive” product combines content, connectivity services and media, “turning travel time into a learning experience”.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/renault-reveals-value-k-ze-electric-car
