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 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.
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”.
