Renault Fluence Z.E

By Paul Bond

September 2010

• Rating:

Meet Renault’s electric pioneer that’s charging into the future! We drove a prototype of the Fluence Z.E. last year, but this was our first chance to try out a full production version.

Taking a different approach to partner firm Nissan’s Leaf, Renault charges a monthly lease of around £70-£80 (depending on mileage) for the Fluence’s lithium-ion battery. The benefits are clear: owners can drive their cars without fearing the heavy cost of replacements or failures. It also pushes down the purchase price – after a £5,000 Government subsidy is deducted, the electric Fluence should cost around £18,000 to match the equivalent diesel.

Despite the hefty weight of the batteries and motor, which tip the scales at 250kg and 160kg respectively, the Fluence Z.E. felt agile around our short test route. After the eerily quiet start-up, progress is effortless and smooth. Torque is available almost instantly, and means the car feels quicker than its 13.4-second 0-62mph time suggests.

The suspension has been optimised to cope with the extra weight and the ride is impressively composed over bumps, while the light steering and single-gear transmission make for a relaxed drive. The 100-mile range prevents the Fluence being a long-distance cruiser, but it is one of the best packaged and most practical electric cars we’ve seen yet.