Paris Motor Show 2018: Renault Kwid EV Concept K-ZE unveiled

by Vivaan Khatri | 03/10/2018
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At the 2018 Paris Motor Show, Renault took the wraps off the all-electric Renault K-ZE Concept which is based on the Kwid. It is expected to arrive in India soon.

The K-ZE Concept of the Renault is being showcased at the Paris Motor Show at the moment. Based on the popular hatchback Renault Kwid, the K-ZE Concept will slot it the small car segment.

The French automaker has brought the concept car which is based on the top-selling hatchback Renault Kwid, internationally as well as on the India market. This concept car is ready to be launch in the Chinese market. It is hoped that it will arrive at our shore by 2020 or even later.

Renault K-ZE Concept Car at Paris Motor Show 2018

Renault K-ZE Concept Car is showcased at the Paris Motor Show 2018

What are new on the Renault Kwid-based EV K-ZE?

The Renault K-ZE standing for Kwid Zero Emission is built by e-GT New Energy Automotive Co. The company is a joint venture of a Chinese company, Dongfeng Motor Group, and Nissan – the ally of Renault.

Even Renault keeps all the specifications of their concept car a secret, they particularly reveal the range of this car. It is noticeable that the Kwid EVs could attain the respectable range of 250km on one charge in the NEDC cycle. But could it translate well into the real world? It still remains unanswered. However, it is likely that the official version could not live up to such a high range as the Renault is aiming at making an entry-level EVs whose sealed price could not resonate with the price for such a good range.  

Renault K-ZE near the charging boot

Renault K-ZE is claimed to have the good range of 250 kilometer

The Renault K-ZE comes with the double charging system which allows the Kwid EV to charge either at home or at charging station. Besides, the EV will share the same CMF-A platform with the Kwid. But apart from that, Renault will strongly adapt this car to fit the electric car form.

From the outside, the K-ZE Concept mostly resemble the Kwid but with some updates, for example, it comes with a larger grille, wheels and a bolder headlamp, making it sportier and more stylish. But we are not sure how much of this will be brought into the official products.

Renault K-ZE Concept angle look

Renault K-ZE Concept car resembles the Kwid but with some minor updates

Renault confirms that the K-ZE has a rearview camera, parking sensors, as well as touchscreen infotainment system with the built-in navigation function.

Where is the Renault Kwid-based EV in the future India market?

It is foreseen that the Indian market in years to come will be busy with the back-to-back launch of new electric vehicles. Renault is among many of the first to enter this promising segment.

As far as we know, the biggest automaker in India – Maruti Suzuki is developing and testing their first EV with the technical help from Toyota. Just like the Renault K-ZE, Maruti’s EV will also position in the entry-level segment and is based on its ongoing hatchback, Maruti Suzuki WagonR. The Maruti EV is expected to arrive by 2020, around the same time as the Renault EV.

Also read:

>>> Maruti to plan on launching micro-SUV in 2019, competing in the compact-SUV segment

Maruti Suzuki new EV

Maruti will also launch their new all-electric model, possibly a hatchback, by 2020

Besides, Hyundai – the second largest car brand will also introduce its electric compact SUV Hyundai Kona in 2019. Unlike Maruti and Renault who targets on the entry segment, the Kona will penetrate the higher segment of SUVs.

Also read: 

>>> Hyundai Kona EV: What to Expect from this New Electric Vehicle?

Apart from these upcoming electric car, the India market has already had two electric cars from Mahindra which are the e20 and e-Verio.

Overall, there is still a long way to go until we can see a well-established scene for electric vehicles in India.

The Renault, as well as the Renault-Nissan Alliance, is on their way on becoming one of the largest electric vehicle manufacturers. Therefore, there is a lot to hope for in the new EV from Renault.

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>>> Paris Motor Show: Top car models with high chance to launch in India

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