Renault first voiced its intentions to produce the most affordable and best-selling all-electric car on the market several years ago. Back then, the media got a hint that it could cost as little as U.S. $7,000 or $8,000. As it turns out, the manufacturer is not ready to show us the production car just yet, but it did reveal its concept version at the 2019 Auto Shanghai.
The new Renault City K-ZE comes based on the Renault Kwid hatchback that sells for the equivalent of U.S. $3,900 in India. Compared to that one, the newcomer sports a different front fascia, rear bumper, and minor styling elements. It still has the same inter-axle spacing (2,423 mm / 7.95 ft.), but comes with a lower ground clearance (150 mm / 5.8 inches, down from 180 mm / 7 inches). Its trunk volume remains identical at 300 liters / 10.6 cubic feet.
This is about all we know right now. The company also says that the car will ship with a digital dashboard and a modern entertainment system featuring an 8-inch display.
In an earlier statement, a representative of Renault let it slip that the all-electric hatchback was designed for 250 kilometers (155 miles) of range. However, the company has later withdrawn that statement. The only thing that remains official is that you can charge the battery from empty to 80% within 50 minutes, or 4 hours if you are using a wall socket of your household.
The Renault City K-ZE will enter production in China before the end of 2019.
Photos: Renault