Renault K-ZE, new affordable global electric vehicle and three new hybrids at the Paris Motor Show

Renault is preparing a new affordable urban electric vehicle for 2019 that will first be sold in China and later in various markets worldwide, and it also faces the launch in 2020 of new hybrid and plug-in hybrid options across three of its most popular product ranges (Clio, Captur and Megane), as commented by the president of the diamond brand, Carlos Ghosn, during the presentation of the K-ZE electric mobility project.

The K-ZE is the new electric vehicle inspired by an SUV model for segment A, Renault has presented the K-ZE project, a new electric vehicle with up to 250 km of range (according to the NEDC cycle). With a seductive and sporty design, the K-ZE will be compact in size, just 3.7 m long, and its design is inspired by the KWID, a model designed to make motoring more accessible, developed by the French manufacturer on the modular CMF-A platform of the alliance Renault Nissan, which is already sold in countries such as India or Brazil with engines from 800 cm3 and at affordable prices (the equivalent of about 4,200 euros in India), although without electric versions of any kind in its range. The K-ZE will be noticeably more expensive, due not only to its electric vehicle status but also to the greater technological equipment that the diamond brand wants to offer on it.

Renault announces for the K-ZE a range of 250 km according to the NEDC cycle and extensive standard equipment for safety and comfort on board, including rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera and a central digital screen for navigation systems and connected services. In addition, Renault has also advanced that the K-ZE will feature a dual charging system that is compatible with both domestic sockets and charging terminals at public infrastructure.

The K-ZE will be manufactured in China at the facilities of e-GT New Energy Automotive Co, a company arising from the joint venture formed by Dongfeng Motors and Nissan for the development and production of competitive electric vehicles for sale in the Chinese market. Initially, the K-ZE will be sold first in China and later make the leap to other markets worldwide, so its future sale in European markets is not ruled out.

Electrified versions for Clio, Captur and Megane

According to Carlos Ghosn, the K-ZE “is an affordable, urban electric model inspired by the SUV concept, which combines the best of the Renault Group, our leadership in EVs, our experience in affordable vehicles and in forging solid alliances”.

During his address to the media, Ghosn also confirmed the launch in 2020 of electrified versions of the diamond brand’s most popular models, the Clio, Captur and Megane. The first will have a hybrid version, while the SUV and the compact will each have a plug-in hybrid variant.

AEX: the electric, autonomous and connected mobility of the future

Ghosn’s presence before the media was justified by the presentation of the Group Renault’s new vision regarding the mobile content it will make available to passengers in its connected vehicles. Renault seeks to offer an “Augmented Editorial Experience” (AEX), in which it plans to combine content, connectivity services, media and mobility to turn travel time on board its vehicles into a learning experience that goes beyond driving or the car itself. The Group plans to introduce Premium content that will allow users of its vehicles to explore the new possibilities that connected and autonomous cars make possible, enabling passengers to “maximise travel time personally and professionally.”

“With the advent of connected autonomous vehicles, customers will expect more from their travel time. By experimenting, we imagine what the connected personalised mobility experience of tomorrow could be,” said Ghosn. “Access to Premium content delivered through unique on-board experiences for drivers and passengers will become a key differentiator.” Renault will show part of this experience in the demonstrators it will install in its space within the “Mondial de l’Automobile”, which opens its doors this week in Paris. Four scenarios with a 222-degree projection will allow attendees to experience how their daily time on board a car can be completely different.

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