Renault Kangoo be bop Z.E. electric car revealed

Renault (and partner Nissan) have designs on being the world’s top electric car maker as soon as possible As part of this strategy Renault showed the Z.E. Concept at the Paris Motor Show last year, which has now turned in to the Renault Kangoo be bop Z.E., which has been revealed at a Renault shareholders meeting in Paris.

Based on the current production Renault Kangoo, the Kangoo be bop gets a few bits added. Front and rear LED lights, lowered suspension (by 20mm) and 18″ wheels. The interior of the Kangoo be bop is swathed with chrome finishes and is designed to give a more futuristic feel to the Kangoo.

The electric motor in the Kangoo be bop delivers 44kw (about 60bhp) and revs to an astonishing 12,000 rpm (although I honestly don’t know if that is astonishing for an electric motor – more homework needed!), and is said to be 90% more efficient than a regular internal combustion engine.

The battery technology used in the Kangoo be bop is lithium ion based, and is said to offer much better charging capacity than the older nickel metal hydride battery technology. It also doesn’t suffer from charging ‘memory’, which afflicts the older technology. Renault are claiming that the new lithium ion batteries will charge to between 80-100% of original for six years. Range is currently around 60 miles, but Renault expect this to increase to 95 miles by the time the be bop comes in to production.

The Kangoo be bop can be charged from a standard domestic socket in around 6-8 hours, but it also permits a ‘Fast Charge’ from a dedicated recharging point, delivering 32A, in around 30 minutes for an 80% charge. The be bop also features regenerative braking.

The Renault Kangoo be bop Z.E. will be touring round Europe from July allowing customers to test drive the car, prior to the launch in 2011.

Renault Kangoo be bop ZE Electric Car Photo Image Gallery

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