Renault is looking to launch its Kangoo ZE - an all-electric version of its Kangoo small-class van - here.
The French company, which is poised to debut its Fluence ZE sedan in the next few months, said the Kangoo ZE (for zero emissions) is an eco-friendly model that will match the running costs of the existing petrol-engined version.
One of the vehicle's advantages is the reduced maintenance cost, with estimated savings of 20 per cent. These savings come from dispensing with oil changes, timing belts, air filters or fuel filters.
Running costs are also cut by a dramatic reduction in fuel bills, with the actual cost per km dependent on electricity prices in various areas. Renault is coy about the price of the van when it gets here but, based on the European price, could be about $27,000.
However, Renault leases the batteries in its all-electric vehicles which may have a cost of $100 a month. The Kangoo ZE has a 44kW/226Nm electric motor under the bonnet and a 22kWh lithium-ion battery pack under the floor just behind the front seats.
Renault said the van has a range of 170km and the rechanging time is four hours or, via a fast charger station, one hour will give a 20km range. The payload is 650kg and the load volume ranges from 3cu.m to 3.5cu.m. Renault says the recharging time, using a wall-mounted Renault charger, is between six and eight hours.