Renault has postponed the Australian launch of its electric Fluence ZE (Zero Emission) sedan, citing the need for greater charging infrastructure.

Originally scheduled to arrive this year, the Fluence ZE was to be launched in a partnership with infrastructure provider Better Place Australia.

The decision to postpone the EV's launch has come from Renault's France headquarters, confirming only that the delay would "allow for a later rollout of infrastructure in Australia".

Electric vehicles currently available in Australia include the Nissan Leaf, Mitsubishi's i-MiEV and the locally developed Blade Electron. Holden's range-extended Volt EV also launched this year.

The Fluence was expected to launch with a limited pilot program in Canberra - where Better Place Australia offers an advanced charging network - followed by wider availability in the fourth quarter of this year.

While the limited charging infrastructure in Australia did not deter Renault's alliance partner Nissan from launching the Leaf here, the design of the Fluence ZE's electric system demanded a different approach - including dedicated battery swap stations.

The Fluence was expected to enter at around $40,000, a price that did not include the cost of leasing a swappable battery pack from Better Place. Purchase of the $47,000 Nissan Leaf includes a fixed battery pack, however.

Renault may not be without an electric model in Australia for too long though, with the smaller Zoe EV still under consideration for the local market.

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• Fluence | Fluence ZE | Renault | EVs | Green Cars

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• reply ” like !

  

  CAZZO says,
  5 months ago

  1 like

  *****PRIMO!*****
  
  
  Forget this brand, get the Dacia vehicles here top urgently!
• reply ” like !

  

  Falafel Eater says,
  5 months ago

  *** ZENITH! ***
  
  I know it's an EV 'because of the blue tinted lights.
• reply ” like !

  

  just_chris says,
  5 months ago

  1 like

  What a complete let down, the Aussie car buyer gets shafted again, it's ok you can still buy a leaf for $10k more than it would cost any where else in the world. Why do we still support the car industry with tax dollars when they treat the Aussie consumer like dirt. Something needs to happen in ACT but I am not sure if it is the installation of more charging stations.
  • reply ” like !

    

    josh says,
    4 months ago

    I agree this is a let down its obvious to me that anything but a total infrastructure change to the cost of batteries is a waste of time and money to the consumermake me think was this all a advertising ploy renault ? want proof why are they competing for market share when all these car would be obsolete if they really wanted to put out exchange battery system .No australia is a cash cow they can wait!!!

    What a complete let down, the Aussie car buyer gets shafted again, it's ok you can still buy a leaf for $10k more than it would cost any where else in the world. Why do we still support the car industry with tax dollars when they treat the Aussie consumer like dirt. Something needs to happen in ACT but I am not sure if it is the installation of more charging stations.