Renault Concept Previews Tiny EV

Renault SA unveiled the all-electric K-ZE concept car at this week’s Paris auto show.

The company plans to launch a production version of the tiny hatchback next year in China, followed by a 2021 introduction in Europe. Other markets may be added later.

The final version of the vehicle is expected to be nearly identical to the concept car. Based on Renault-Nissan’s CMF A platform, the K-ZE is about the size of Renault’s Twingo city car, with the subframe and axles adapted for the car’s electric system.

The vehicle (pictured) has an estimated driving range of 250 km (155 miles) on Europe’s outgoing NEDC cycle. The K-ZE also will feature rear parking sensors, a rearview camera and a central display screen with real-time navigation and other telematics services.

The EV will be manufactured in China by eGT New Energy Automotive Co, a joint venture between Renault-Nissan and Dongfeng Motor Group. The car will be Renault’s first EV in China.

Renault also confirms plans to add a hybrid version of its Clio compact car and plug-in hybrid variants of the Captur crossover and Megane hatchback in Europe in 2020. Noting that Renault has been investing in EVs for more than a decade, CEO Carlos Ghosn boasts that the carmaker is the only company to make a profit on the technology.