Renault has confirmed it is currently working on an electric car due to be launched by 2012.
In an interview with AutoExpress, Renault’s Executive Vice President, Plan, Product Planning and Programs, Patrick Pelata has revealed that the carmaker is working on an electric powered model. Company’s executives hope the car will be ready for the 2012 London Olympic Games. Pelata also gave some details about the future unique model. It will be about the same size as the Twingo. What’s interesting about this future model is the possibility to choose between two battery packs. One pack will be dedicated to short distances while the other pack will be designed for larger trips.
Pelata hasn’t said whether Renault will reuse Nissan technology. The Japanese carmaker is also developing an electric vehicle expected to be launched in 2010. Renault’s city car will be the company’s serious attempt to take on established rivals like the Smart ForTwo but also the G-Wiz and the Th!nk City on a fast-growing market segment.
This isn’t the first time the French carmaker is considering launching an electric urban model. In 1992, the carmaker had unveiled the Zoom concept car (pictured) born of common research by Renault and Matra into modern electric vehicle. The Zoom featured an innovative modular wheelbase variable between 2.65m and 2.30m in action when the vehicle is stopped. Width remained constant at 1.52m, which means Zoom was 23cm higher in retracted wheelbase configuration. The electric engine delivered a power of 34bhp.
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