Today, almost one electric vehicle in every four sold in Europe is a Renault. The Group offers the widest range on the market with Renault ZOE, Twizy and Kangoo Z.E., alongside the RSM SM3 Z.E. sedan sold in Korea and new Renault Master Z.E. By 2022, Renault will have a range of eight electric vehicles and 12 electrified vehicles, as part of the Group's strategic "Drive The Future" plan. A pioneer in Europe, Groupe Renault is building on nine years of expertise in the design, production and sale of electric vehicles. Almost 30,000 Groupe Renault employees have received training in the specific aspects of electric mobility, as has the entire European brand network.
To better satisfy customer requirements, Groupe Renault is increasing the range of its best-selling electric vehicles, including ZOE and Kangoo Z.E. At the same time, it is developing more dynamic electric motors, such as the new 80 kW R110 on ZOE. It is also rolling out new connected services for easier vehicle charging. An example? "Renault Z.E. Pass" lists over 20,000 public charging points in Europe. Users can also obtain charging information in real time or control operations from a distance with their smartphones.
Groupe Renault is at the forefront of electric mobility. It is also leading the way in the development of a complete electric ecosystem, along with a wide range of partners. The Group is co-building innovative solutions through which electricity stored in the batteries of its electric vehicles can be used as part of a demand response system on smart grids. For example, the "Renault Z.E. Smart Charge" smartphone app activates vehicle charging to coincide with the cheapest electricity rates and lowest carbon emissions. Another area of innovation? Gaining a second life in stationary facilities, electric vehicle batteries can store the energy generated by roof-top solar panels and restore it for local needs.
Electric power is the real breakthrough solution for countering climate change, because electric cars emit no CO2 (carbon dioxide) while driving(1) .
Because an electric motor does not burn any fossil fuel, Renault is fully committed to the electric vehicle as the innovative solution capable of meeting today’s environmental challenges.
Even when we factor in CO2 emissions produced by generating the electricity needed to charge an electric vehicle, the carbon balance is much better than for an equivalent internal-combustion model in most of the countries where electric vehicles are sold.
In Europe, the overall carbon figure averages around 72 grams of CO2 per km for ZOE, compared to at least 100 grams for an equivalent internal-combustion model.
The overall carbon footprint of an electric vehicle varies from one country to another, with the degree of carbon dependency of local power plants. In France, for example, where power-plant carbon dependency is relatively low, the carbon footprint of the Renault ZOE is about 14 grams of CO2 per km.
(1) Zero CO2 emissions or regulated atmospheric pollutants during road use, excluding wear parts
As well as enjoying an environmentally sound transport practice, Renault electric vehicle drivers also appreciate the unique driving sensations and superior convenience of electric power.
Renault anticipates and responds to new mobility needs, seizing emerging opportunities for the use of its all-electric vehicles. Because of increasing urban road congestion, and for financial reasons, more and more people are giving up car ownership in favour of car-pooling. Renault actively encourages sharing of its electric vehicles.