Renault is working with former Mazda head Laurens van den Acker to develop zero-emission concept vehicles over the next few years. The first concept in this series is the DeZir, a two-door concept sports car that will premiere at the Paris Motor Show in October. Van den Acker worked with Renault engineers to create a lightweight, low-profile body that uses an all-electric drive train. The Renault DeZir gives us a glimpse into the automaker’s upcoming transition to emissions-free vehicles.
The DeZir contains a 24kWh lithium-ion battery pack and an electric motor located beneath the rear compartment. The projected range is 99 miles, which would allow sporty commuters to head to and from work without recharging. Renault says that this sleek EV can hit 60 miles per hour from a dead stop in five seconds. This combination of power and range makes the Renault DeZir attractive to European consumers interested in cleaner vehicles.
The Renault design team approached the DeZir with equal concerns about body design and the electric drive system. The exterior panels are made from lightweight Kevlar that can withstand significant stress. Renault framed these panels with steel tubes that have been tested in road races by the Megane Trophy sports car. The gull wing doors incorporated into the DeZir fit the vehicle’s low profile while offering quick entry into the cockpit.
Renault also previewed a variety of battery charging options that will be announced during the DeZir presentation at Paris. The DeZir can recharge fully within eight hours using a standard household outlet. Renault will also offer a fast-charging feature that can replenish the battery to 80% capacity in 20 minutes. The final option is a battery replacement procedure that would incorporate the Quick Drop system currently in development by Renault.
The Renault DeZir is a good portent of the future for the venerable French automaker. The early preview of the concept shows that Renault wants to drum up public attention for future EV concepts. The DeZir has the performance metrics to compete with current EVs like the Tesla Roadster. Auto industry experts and casual observers alike will be wowed by the translation of Renault’s sports car designs to an electric vehicle. As this concept line evolves toward the marketplace, Renault has to become concerned about the pricing issue that has plagued Tesla.
