Renault offering Kangoo be bop Z.E. test drives in Europe

Renault will launch its first mass-market EV in 2011

Renault, which is committed to launching its first mass-market electric vehicle (EV) by 2011, is now offering the Kangoo be bop Z.E. prototype electric vehicle for test drives in Europe. According to Renault, the technology seen on this car is very similar to that which will be featured on the brand's upcoming production vehicles currently under development

The Kangoo be bop Z.E. prototype is powered by a 44kW (60bhp) electric motor and is equipped with a 15kWh lithium-ion battery. The motor revs to 12,000rpm and immediately delivers peak torque, which is a constant 190Nm. Acceleration and pull-away from low speeds are particularly responsive and the electric motor is also very quiet.

The be bop Z.E. currently has a range of about 100km. By the time of their launch, Renault's electric vehicles will have benefited from an evolution to their battery technology which will take their real-world range to 160km. Also, the batteries will take a mere 20 minutes for a full charge. Yes indeed, EVs are getting ready to hit the motoring mainstream. The future is (almost) here...!