Renault plans to build its Fluence electric car in China and is discussing the proposal with Chinese authorities, CEO Carlos Ghosn said on Monday. With government approval, “Renault is ready to build the Fluence in China” for an unspecified Chinese brand, Ghosn told reporters at a test-drive event here.
Renault sold just 58 units of the battery-powered Fluence in Europe during the first half, according to data from JATO Dynamics. Renault and partner Dongfeng Motors won Chinese approval in December to begin production in a USD1.3 billion joint venture under long-standing plans to introduce locally assembled Renault models to the world’s biggest auto market.Based on a petrol car’s design, this electric sedan does 0-62mph in 13secs and a top speed of 84mph. Those aren’t sports car numbers of course, but because the Fluence ZE delivers all of its torque from zero revs, it does manage to feel quicker than the numbers suggest.
The five-seat interior feels conventional. It’s quite roomy up front and there is space in the back for a couple of adults. But because the battery pack lives between the back seat and the boot, the latter is a bit compromised. Otherwise, the only real clue that you’re in a pure-electric car is the charge-level indicator where you’d normally find a rev counter. There is also a meter that shows how much energy you’re using at any given moment.
And driving the Fluence ZE couldn’t be easier. Turn the key and the word “Go” appears on the dash. Slot the automatic shifter into D and off you go.
