Zoomi Life

We’re not sure what to think about this one. Renault’s new ZE Concept electric car sure looks interesting and incorporates some innovative technologies, but honestly, we’re not so sure about the antifreeze-tinted windows.

The Renault ZE concept car, unveiled at the Paris Auto Show, incorporates some pretty advanced technology under the hood. Those antifreeze-green windows you see help provide insulation for the cab. The car’s construction was designed to work just like an insulated Thermos bottle; a pocket of air sits between layered body panels to further insulate the cab and provide for a constant internal temperature. More pictures and info below the fold.

If you’ve gotten this far, you’re probably interested in finding out a bit more about the ZE’s specs. First of all, it’s French, so you’re not likely to see this vehicle rolling down US streets anytime soon; Renault is not a popular car brand here in the USA. In fact, the only ones I’ve ever seen on the road were imported by their Francophone owners from France - after all everybody needs a little bit of home wherever they go.

The Renault ZE Concept is powered by a 70kW electric motor with torque of 226Nm, with lithium-ion batteries. This electric vehicle was designed to minimize energy consumption from the ground up, without forgetting modern comfort-related refinements. The Renault ZE incorporates heat-reflective paint and insulating bodywork featuring large surface areas, which contributes to the reduction of temperature fluctuations within the vehicles cab. The headlamps use efficient, high-performance light-emitting diodes (LEDs) which are not only long lasting but also low consumers of energy.

Renault has also incorporated some pretty advanced networked electronics in this car. The ZE is designed to locate the nearest electric car recharging stations, and relates this information to the vehicle’s on-board systems to alert you if if does not have enough charge to make it to the next station. The amount of charge left in the batteries is also shown on a linear display on the outside of the door, so the driver knows the car’s energy charge before getting in. Exterior logos also illuminate when the car’s approaching owners are recognized.

Renault has also given thought to those outside the car, using polyurethane gel bumpers designed to to soak up minor knocks and protect pedestrians.

Renault has not provided any information as of yet about the vehicles potential price, availability, top speed, or range. We’ll update this post as soon as we can find out more information.

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