K-ZE Will Become Renault’s New Low-Cost Electric Crossover

BY Cristian Gnaticov | Posted on

Renault has kicked off the 2018 Paris Auto Show premieres with the K-ZE Concept that will lead to an all-electric small crossover for the masses next year.

The study looks like a futuristic Renault Kwid, and it’s apparently based on the same platform, but the French automaker didn’t say more about its underpinnings.

While the ‘K’ could come from ‘Kwid’, the ‘ZE’ moniker is a clear reference to its electric powertrain, said to be capable of providing it with a total driving range of 250 km (150 mi) as per NEDC standards. When the battery runs out of juice, it can be charged with either domestic plugs, or using the public infrastructure.

Some of the features that equip the Renault K-ZE are the infotainment system that provides access to connected services, navigation system, reversing camera and others, and the rear parking sensors, according to the French firm.

The production version of the city car concept will hit the market in 2019, and will be launched at first in China. In charge of putting it together will be ‘e-GT New Energy Automotive Co, a joint venture with Dongfeng and Nissan “created to develop and produce competitive electric vehicles for the Chinese market”, said Renault.

“We are introducing the K-ZE, an affordable, urban SUV-inspired electric model, combining the best of Renault Group: our leadership in EV, our expertise in affordable electric vehicles, and in forging strong partnerships”, said the Group’s Chairman and CEO, Carlos Ghosn.

Besides showcasing the K-ZE to the world, Renault has announced its plans to electrify their B- and C-segment cars in Europe. Thus, the next-gen Clio will welcome a hybrid powertrain, whereas the Captur and Megane will gain plug-in hybrid derivatives.

At the 2018 Paris Auto Show, the head honcho also revealed an Augmented Editorial Experience (AEX). Described as “a new vision for the future of mobile continent”, it combines “content, connectivity services, media and mobility”, and it’s said to “turn travel time into a learning experience beyond driving and beyond the car itself”.

 

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