At the preview sampling of the Renault Fluence ZE last October, TC Euro Cars mentioned that it was set to begin a pilot programme with the Turkish-built all-electric sedan sometime in the first quarter of this year.
It does look as if the first movement has begun – a Fluence ZE was on display at the Renault roadshow in Bangsar Shopping Centre last week, and now reader Dean Yunos has spotted the car being juiced up at the First Energy Network charging station at KLCC.
TC Euro Cars added at the preview that the ultimate aim was to offer Renault EVs on a commercial basis, with the Fluence ZE leading the way. Mitsubishi, of course, is the first automaker to sell an electric vehicle here, with its i-MiEV being launched back in March, priced at RM136k.
The Nissan Leaf, which has been trialled in the country since May last year, is set to be introduced in the third quarter of the year, which will make it the second EV to go on sale in Malaysia. Expect the Fluence to go down the same path at some point in the not-too-distant future.
The 4.75 metre-long Fluence ZE is powered by a 160 kg synchronous electric motor with rotor coil, with 70 kW and 226 Nm for output numbers. The car has an operating range of 185 km on a NEDC cycle, with a charge time of between six and eight hours in standard mode and 30 minutes on a 32A 400V supply fast charge. Top speed is 135 km/h.
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Before selling this vehicle Renault & Nissan must ensure infrastructure is ready. North South Highway and major cities must have charging point if not it wont sell.
The idea for initial market and main purpose of EV is actuallly meant for City Driving. Therefore, i believe, for a start, charging station along highway is not necessary. But for the 2nd or 3rd phase after many things has stabilised including a good market penetration, then infrastructures are crucial. :-)
B-class.