Renault is planning to offer a range of battery capacities for its electric vehicles in the near future, enabling drivers to choose between long range and low cost to suit their needs.

Eric Feunteun, Head of Renault Electric Vehicles, said the company is working to improve energy density through better cell chemistry, to provide longer-range batteries within the same physical space – just as Nissan has recently started offering two versions of the LEAF, and Tesla has multiple options on the Model S and Model X.

“If you ask somebody if they want a larger range the answer is, of course, yes,” he explained. “Then when you move from emotion to facts, and you have a choice between 100 and 200 miles, and the cars with difference prices, the reaction becomes more rational. Some would definitely need the 200, either because they have less constraint in terms of cost or because they use it for 200. Others say they have enough with 100, and they can manage with it.

“I think two routes that will open, not only for Renault but for the market. One focusing on range, one route focusing on cost of ownership. The two routes are important, especially when you consider in the long term that the incentives might be reduced, so that’s how we see the future.”

Read more: EV Fleet World

• Partnership allows Renault to reach new audiences through music and showcase electric vehicle line-up
• ZOE and Twizy to be used around the Eden Project during the Eden Sessions
• Renault was Europe’s leading EV manufacturer in 2015

Renault has become the Official Car Partner of the Eden Sessions in a deal with the Eden Project in Cornwall.

Renault will use the sponsorship to demonstrate and promote their Z.E. electric vehicle range, including the ZOE and Twizy models, and to reach new audiences in the South West and beyond.

Rita Broe, Marketing Director, Eden Project, said:

“This is a great partnership for Eden, and for the Sessions. We are keen to promote the benefits of electric vehicles in reducing carbon emissions, and look forward to working with Renault to do that in a fun and engaging way.

“This year looks set to be one of the best Sessions seasons ever and we are delighted Renault will be part of it.”

James Boyer, Marketing Director, Renault UK, said:

“As electric vehicle market leaders in Europe, we are passionate about our zero tailpipe emissions vehicles and the great benefits they have for the environment, air quality, running costs and driver enjoyment.  Partnering with the Eden Sessions is a great fit for Renault, something we are very excited about and we look forward to showcasing our Z.E. electric range to Eden concert goers over the summer months.”

The Eden Sessions are a series of outdoor gigs at the Eden Project, featuring some of the best acts in the world playing against the backdrop of Eden’s famous Biomes. The 2016 Eden Sessions will see Lionel Richie (June 14 and 15 – both sold out), Tom Jones (June 26 – sold out) and Jess Glynne (July 14 – sold out) each play shows against the backdrop of Eden’s world-famous Biomes. More acts will be announced in the coming weeks.  The Eden Sessions enter their fifteenth year in 2016.

The Eden Sessions has its own free-to-view online TV channel (www.youtube.com/edensessionstv) featuring regularly-updated videos of some of the gigs’ finest shows.

Eden has long been a supporter of electric cars and has hosted events to showcase some of the ground-breaking vehicles now available. The project also has charging points for electric cars available for its visitors.

Renault is the leader in EV sales in Europe – ZOE is Europe’s best-selling all-electric passenger car and the Kangoo Van Z.E. is the best-selling electric LCV.  The award-winning Renault Z.E. range consists of the ZOE hatchback, the Twizy – a fun, distinctive, urban runaround and the Kangoo Van Z.E. – a commercial vehicle that is identical to a normal Kangoo Van but with all the advantages of an EV, including no tailpipe emissions.  In 2015, UK sales of the ZOE more than doubled compared to 2014 to 2,053 vehicles. Renault is a pioneer of the electric vehicle market with more than 83,000 EVs sold worldwide to date.

Source: Renault Press