Autoblog

Report: Renault EV espionage scandal may have been hoax

Zach Bowman — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Government/Legal, Renault, Electric

It looks as if Renault and the French government may have been at the raw end of a hoax surrounding claims of corporate espionage. As you may recall, three of the automaker's executives were recently escorted off of the company's headquarters. While none of the individuals were charged with any crime, reports emerged that they were suspected of stealing secrets tied to the French car company's electric vehicle program and selling them to parties overseas. Reports even pointed toward Chinese automakers as being the largest buyers of those corporate secrets.

That news prompted the French government to look into the Chinese connection, which raised more than a few eyebrows in the People's Republic.

The whole conspiracy hinged on the existence of clandestine bank accounts in Switzerland and Lichtenstein which the corporate thieves could have used to stash their ill-gotten wealth. According to The Guardian, those accounts don't exist.

The accused executives have since set about suing Renault for the accusations, and with no hard evidence to support the claims, it looks as if someone simply pulled an elaborate hoax on the company. At this point, it's unclear who orchestrated the stunt or the motive behind it. Thanks for the tip, Aron!

[Source: The Guardian]

Report: Renault EV espionage scandal may have been hoax originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault launches new site dedicated to its upcoming EV lineup [w/VIDEO]

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Renault, Electric

Renault Fluence Zero Emissions Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Renault has created a new website that is dedicated to promoting its upcoming model range of battery powered cars. The site is actually about more than just the Fluence, Kangoo, Zoe and Twizzy. It also offers explanations of how Renault hopes to make these cars mainstream and affordable. It appears from the information provided that Renault plans to sell all of its EVs without a battery pack. The energy storage system will all be leased separately with payments going to a chosen energy supplier. There will be the three options for replenishing the charge.

Europeans can use their standard 220V / 10-16A outlet to charge in 6-8 hours. A standardized fast charge connector is currently being developed among multiple automakers and utilities, and it should facilitate 20-30 minute charges with a 400 V / 36 A, three-phase source. Finally, Renault appears set to implement battery swap capabilities across its full lineup for three minute battery changes. Along with the main site there, Renault has also added a video blog that thus far contains a series of videos shot at the Frankfurt Motor Show debut of the ZEV lineup. You can check out one the videos after the jump. Thanks to Shadowcast for the tip!

Gallery: Renault Fluence Zero Emissions Concept

[Source: Renault-ZE.com]

Continue reading Renault launches new site dedicated to its upcoming EV lineup [w/VIDEO]

Renault launches new site dedicated to its upcoming EV lineup [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt Preview: Renault planning 3 electric vehicles

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Green, Renault

Kangoo be bop Z.E. - Click above for high-res image gallery

This September's Frankfurt Motor Show will play host to three new electric vehicles from Renault, including a concept that previews an all new model. The concept is expected to be based on the same dedicated platform spawned by Renault's alliance with Nissan, due to underpin its new EV due to debut at the Tokyo Motor Show and go on sale in 2010. Renault development chief Christian Steyer told AutoCar that the EVs will benefit from distinctive styling to set them apart from the rest of the automaker's lineup.

In addition to the Trio of EVs, Renault will apparently be showing off both fast charging technology and battery swapping equipment, along with electric conversions of the Megane and Kangoo. The Megane will be the first EV to go on sale in Israel under the Renault-Nissan partnership with Better Place.

Gallery: Renault Kangoo be bop Z.E.

[Source: Autocar]

Frankfurt Preview: Renault planning 3 electric vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Renault's reinvigorated Gordini line to go electric?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Europe, Green, Hatchback, Renault

Reports of Renault's plan to relaunch the decades-old Gordini moniker just got a lot more interesting. The first model from the French automaker is due in 2010 and will be based on the Twingo hatchback, with the Gordini version slotting just above the already available Renaultsport model. Following closely thereafter will be performance-oriented versions of the Clio and Megane Coupe. Sounds good so far, right? Here's where things take an entirely unexpected turn.

According to a report by What Car?, the fourth Gordini model will be an electric hot hatch about the size of the Clio. This electric supermini will seat up to five occupants and is currently slated for production in 2012, at which time it will be joined by at least three more EVs from Renault and its corporate partner, Nissan.

Pricing for the Clio-sized EV is expected to begin where the current model leaves off at around £14,000, and the batteries will be leased for around the same price per month as diesel fuel. Renault also reportedly has plans to launch charging stations where drivers can have their battery packs pulled and exchanged for fresh units, just like at a gas station. Alternatively, the cars will sport a plug to enable charging any standard wall outlet.

[Source: What Car?]

REPORT: Renault's reinvigorated Gordini line to go electric? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan EV could come to US in 2010, two years earlier than expected

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:21:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Green, Nissan, Renault

Nissan appears to feel the electricity in the air, and has said it is open to selling its EV to retail consumers two years ahead of schedule. That doesn't mean it will go on sale everywhere -- said a Nissan rep, "if a market is ready for it, we'll go ahead earlier." When it does arrive, it will be a "uniquely designed stand-alone model" that will focus attention on the brand and its EV credentials.

This announcement follows the recent news of Renault-Nissan's alliance with San Diego Gas & Electric to build an electric vehicle charging network. At the time it was thought that Nissan's sales would be limited to fleet and commercial users until 2012, but it follows that if the infrastructure is in place and consumers are ready to buy in 2010, why should drivers charge their Volts, Karmas, and Teslas on Nissan's hard work? Call us crazy, but we have a feeling that California can get ready to start its electric engines very soon...

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Nissan EV could come to US in 2010, two years earlier than expected originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan and San Diego utility partner to build EV charging infrastructure

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Nissan

Out in San Diego today, the Renault-Nissan Alliance officially brought its electric vehicle ~~world domination plan~~ project to California. Renault-Nissan will work with local utility company San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) in a partnership "to advance zero-emission mobility by promoting the development of an electric vehicle (EV) charging network."

Nissan will bring the electric cars to the U.S. next year and SDG&E will help build up the charging infrastructure. The partners will also work with local groups to get the network up and running, maintain it, and teach people how to use it. As we mentioned earlier today, the word on the street is that Nissan is "not going to be charging a premium for this car, batteries included," for when the EV goes on sale in the U.S. in 2010.

Renault-Nissan is also moving forward with EV plans in Zürich, London, and is working with Better Place in various locations (see gallery below). Read more in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Project Better Place Renault Nissan Signs Deal

[Source: Renault-Nissan Alliance]

Continue reading Nissan and San Diego utility partner to build EV charging infrastructure

Nissan and San Diego utility partner to build EV charging infrastructure originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault plans three electric cars for the future

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Renault, UK

Click above for more shots of the Renault Z.E. concept

Renault plans to make a splash at the 2012 Olympics in London where the automaker will have a trio of electric vehicles on display and in action at the games. The first EV from the French automaker will be an electrified Kangoo MPV that will shuttle both Olympians and spectators from event to event. Renault's second planned EV will be based on the Megane sedan and will be featured as part of the automaker's Project Better Place rollout in Israel. Lastly, a small city car that seats five occupants is planned on a brand new platform that's not shared with any other models.

Electric vehicle charging is one current (ha ha) sticking point that needs to be addressed before we're driving with electrons, and Renault has plans on that front as well. Quick charging stations would be set up in and around the London area for the car's rollout and these could be replicated anywhere EVs are planned. Alternatively, special stations could be created that are equipped to swap out a vehicle's battery in just five minutes, providing at least 100 miles of range. Each EV would have a standard GPS navigation system with every charging or swapping station pre-programmed. Of course, the cars could also easily be charged at night from a normal power outlet.

Gallery: Renault Z.E. Concept

[Source: Autocar]

Renault plans three electric cars for the future originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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