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Renault Kangoo Be Bop ZE Plug-In Vehicle Evolves

Renault’s Kangoo Be Bop EV was first revealed in concept form at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, but this new iteration is looking decidedly more production-ready.
Unveiled at Renault’s Annual General Meeting, the new Kangoo EV prototype offers a preview of t


Renault's Kangoo Be Bop EV was first revealed in concept form at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, but this new iteration is looking decidedly more production-ready.

Unveiled at Renault's Annual General Meeting, the new Kangoo EV prototype offers a preview of the technology expected to appear in the first all-electric Nissan that's due for launch in Japan and the US in 2010.

Renault's version will then debut sometime in 2011 throughout Europe, while the rest of the world will have to wait until 2012.

The Kangoo EV is powered exclusively by a 44kW (60hp) electric motor capable of revving to 12,000rpm.

The motor is attached to a reducer which replaces the standard transmission and allows the driver to determine how those 12,000rpm are used.

Battery packs are supplied by the Automotive Electric Supply Corporation (a Nissan and NEC joint venture) and are the same units rumoured to be used by the 370Z hybrid. Thanks to its small size, the battery pack can be mounted in the dashboard.

Currently capable of around 100km (62 miles) on a single charge of its 15kWh battery pack, the production version is expected to increase this to around 160km (100 miles).

Charging is done via a socket mounted at the front of the car, with the charging cable capable of two different charging modes.

Standard mains power will see batteries replenished in around 6-8hrs. A quick charge setting will use a 400V three phase socket to allow around 80 percent of the charge to be restored in approximately 30 minutes.

Another plug is in the works which would see a complete charge completed in around 20 minutes - a far more attractive prospect for those who value convenience.

Expect more information on the Renault Kangoo Be Bop EV towards the end of the year. In the meantime, check it out in the gallery below.

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