6 AMP HOUR CHALLENGE: Renault Fluence ZE
Conventional in style – and hopefully affordable too – the Fluence ZE could be a real game-changer>> 10-Amp power recharging
>> No-nonsense instruments and controls
>> Legroom in the rear comes up short
>> Styling divides opinion
The engine sits up front and drives the front wheels. It outputs 70kW/226Nm and is supplied by a 22kWh lithium-ion battery. Renault claims the Fluence ZE offers a range of between 80 and 200km with a top speed of up to 135km/h. It accelerates from 0-100km/h in around 13 seconds.
The Fluence ZE can swap its battery for a fresh one at an approved BetterPlace charging station, be charged at a fast charging outlet, or via a regular 240V domestic outlet, the latter taking around eight hours.
ON THE ROAD
Weight distribution undoubtedly helped, with the battery pack placed over the rear axle. The Renault probably wasn't the fastest in a straight line, but it delivered enough torque to make it easy and safe to drive.
Now granted, Renault will push buyers to pay BetterPlace for the battery, but at least the Fluence ZE will recharge from a standard 10-Amp domestic power outlet. That places it ahead of the LEAF and the i-MiEV (which require a 15-Amp outlet). Straight away then, the Renault has the potential to outgun those two EVs in the hip-pocket duel – to say nothing of the $60K Holden Volt.
There is enough space in the rear for adults, although the legroom is not a patch on some conventional rivals in the small-car segment. Luggage capacity suffers since the battery pack occupies so much space – see the Volt for better packaging of the battery – but the Fluence ZE, being a sedan, musters boot space on par with a typical small hatch (317 litres). So it's not a major shortcoming, although the inability to load through to the rear of the car might pose a problem for some users.
What we did like about the Fluence ZE is the disarming way it goes about its business. It's easy to drive, but doesn't scream that it's an eco-friendly small car as the other two EVs do. For many buyers, ease of use and inconspicuous ownership will be important factors in the Renault's favour.
We were impressed with the accuracy of the trip computer's range readout and the at-a-glance simplicity of the analogue instruments that indicate the level of charge left in the battery or the amount of power the motor is draining from the battery. Our one gripe with the instrumentation is the standard one we reserve for French cars – speedo calibrations don't match standard Australian speed limit zones.
In every other way however, the Fluence ZE was outstanding.
The wrap-up of the 6 AMP HOUR CHALLENGE:
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