Autocar - First for car news and reviews

Renault will unveil a trio of electric cars at this year’s Frankfurt motor show, including a concept car showing an all-new model that will go on sale in 2012.

Renault is remaining coy about the details of its concept car, except to say that it will be a four-metre, five-door hatchback.

Reports suggest it will be based on Renault-Nissan’s Alliance B platform, which is currently used as the basis for cars including the Clio, Modus, Micra and Cube. Nissan is expected to build its own...Read the full article

I've never been a fan of Renault, but that's changing now.  Personally I can't wait for the electric car.  I've already decided to buy an electric Kangoo for my work purposes as soon as they are marketed - and will hang out my small van a while longer until that launch date.  Electric IS the future, and I say that as someone who would own a Camaro, Mustang, or Aston if I could income twice as much as I do.  I think I will be typical of the near future, being someone who drives an electric car all week, but owns a petrol car for leisure, such as runs to the coast etc.  I can't wait for city centres to be free of choking vehicle fumes.  To achieve that we must get rid of diesel buses more than petrol/diesel cars though.  It's down to councils to show real initiative and action.  Renault's future looks rosey indeed.

 hmm quicker to recharge than refill? i will believe it when i see it. in reality garages would need to match the number of special fitment bays to the number of pumps they have on the forecourt. how can garages fit at least 10+ individual fitting bays on their premises?

when every one owns an electric car the road network would be  congested by standing queues of electric cars waiting  their turn to get their batteries replaced, and thats even if their are thousands of spare batteries held in storage by those garages that are ready charged..

i cant see it working.

 

 

 

beachland.  Well that's how the 'quick drop' system will work.  MIRA developed a similar system last year.  You simply lift out the pieces like you would a briefcase.  It's my understanding that Renault are close to actively seeking out forecourts of garages and other outlets that have a frontage, where you can pull up and exchange.  They would be set on sat-navs as exchange points.  Nothing to stop you running an exchange outlet from your home - if planning permission allowed that is.  I'm all for it - bring it on right now.

 i see how the system works in refitting the batteries. but it wont be quicker than refilling at the pump because when there are say six cars already being refueled at a garage you use the next available pump and start refueling, in the case of the refitting bay you will have to wait your turn, it could take ages. and what i am saying is that its not possible to have 10 or more separate battery fitting bays built onto a garage space.

this system can only remain a niche one for a very small number of electric cars.

the technology for remote electrical charging exists, i think there needs to be a national network of charge systems fitted roadside or under the road where cars will naturally wait for short periods such as traffic lights, roundabouts etc. in towns and cities this could provide some needed capacity.

something more radical is needed for all electric cars in rural areas.

 

Hi all; the chances of having ten cars waiting are slim and when you think that you can pay or be billed for the charge on account or auto to your credit card then the system is massively fast i.e. what is the longest, waiting at the pump or waiting at the desk to pay? if you take out paying at the desk the system is miles faster and the system could process say up to five cars at once.

For rural areas you have to start with the home charging kit and then you will find that local towns get the system installed; te biggest question is will all the other manufacturers go for a similar system? so we will have four main types, we have the 1) Tesla type system, 2) the Chevy Volt type system and 3) this system; 4) for the very large vehicles we have the general hybrid system; I woudl say that is then a done deal for the next 30 to 40 years; I think gradually no. 1 and no. 2 will takeover all; you might get a 1 and 3 mix though; that might be interesting; it depends how quickly the charge time reduces; but it will reduce by loads i.e. 3 min charges in 5 to 7 years. 

Bearing in mind we have the those with theat 20 year lease hydrogen car lauching in 2011/2012 against these new electric cars???; not forgetting Merc are bringing out an electric car also; the Oxford/Cranfield solution has expired....without doubt.

 most pumps have the pay at pump facility with bank card so that can not be factored in as a comparison, its been many years since i have cued to pay for my petrol.

 

I'm not sure the cars are going to work - but it's a very good attempt