Renault Fluence EV to be assembled in Turkey

Renault this morning made the production announcement for the fourth and final of its upcoming electric vehicles the Fluence sedan (see also: Twizy EV, Zoe Z.E., and Kangoo Z.E.). The battery-powered version of the compact sedan will be rolling off the same line as the gas and diesel versions at Renault's factory in Bursa, Turkey. The Fluence will be the model that Renault offers in Israel and Denmark in conjunction with Better Place. Along with charging from 220 V or 400 V outlets, the Fluence will feature the so-called QuickDrop capability for fast battery swaps. The Fluence will also be offered in other markets, although its not clear if any of those other locations will offer any kind of battery swapping capability.

Production of the Fluence ZE will kick off in the first half of 2011.

[Source: Renault]
press release

RENAULT TO PRODUCE THE ELECTRIC VERSION OF FLUENCE AT BURSA IN TURKEY

Renault has decided to manufacture the electric version of Fluence at the OYAK-Renault Bursa plant in Turkey, with production to start in first-half 2011.

Unveiled as Fluence Z.E. Concept, the electric vehicle (EV) will be produced on the same production line as the fuel-powered versions of Fluence. As at Maubeuge, where the Group will produce electric and fuel- powered Kangoos, this option will limit the entry ticket of the program and ensure a quick industrial start, while ensuring top-level quality.

Producing the future EV at Bursa also allows Renault to benefit from the site's excellent performance on quality, cost and lead times, along with local sourcing. As a result, the Group will be able to market the zero-emission sedan at the same attractive price as the combustion models.

Scoring high on elegance and comfort, Fluence is a midsize three-volume sedan aimed at strengthening Renault's international presence. Owners of the electric model will have three battery charge options: standard charge, rapid charge, and 'QuickDrop' battery exchange. Renault will launch the Fluence EV first in Israel and Denmark, followed by other countries, from the first half of 2011.

Renault has now revealed the four production sites for its future EV range. The city car previewed by Zoé Z.E. Concept and the electric Kangoo will both be produced in France, at Flins and Maubeuge, respectively. The vehicle based on Twizy Z.E. Concept will be built in Valladolid, Spain.

Fully aware of the issues involved in sustainable mobility, Renault has decided to mass market a complete range of affordable zero-emission electric vehicles starting in 2011.