Dacia electric SUV: Renault City K-ZE at a competitive price from 2021

S ie do At Renault, it's not a big secret from the fact that the CO2 limit values ​​that will apply from 2020 keep the company in suspense. The challenge of squeezing the last gram of CO2 out of combustion engines is complex and costly, but it can work for a brand like Renault. Because customers are willing to spend an extra few euros on a hybrid, for example. Or are already sensitized to alternative drives by a car like the Renault Zoe. The matter becomes problematic where the customers are set extremely tight financial limits. With Dacia, for example.

Dacia has to stay affordable

Renault

The electric K-ZE was presented as a study at the Paris Motor Show.

The business of the Renault cheap subsidiary is based on selling new cars at a price for which one usually only gets used cars. “Dacia has to remain affordable!” Says the company. 'Otherwise customers buy a used one instead of a new Dacia!' And that would not only be bad for business, but also for the environment. Because the bottom line is that every new Dacia is a few percent more economical than a comparable used car.

All 'little ones' have the CO2 problem

Incidentally, the problem affects all car manufacturers who are relatively small cars relatively many private customers sell. Dacia advantage: global resources. And that's where the electric Renault K-ZE comes into play, which the French originally developed for the Chinese market with partner Dongfenghave developed. The small-car electric SUV named Renault City K-ZE celebrated its premiere at the Shanghai Auto Show 2019.

In China from 7,900 euros

Renault

In China the K - ZE prices at just over 7,000 euros. The K-ZE is accordingly simply furnished.

The wheelbase of 2.4 meters forms the basis for generous space in the interior, the trunk holds 300 liters. The K-ZE should be able to be charged to 80 percent in 50 minutes via fast charging, while the waiting time at a conventional socket is around four hours. The maximum battery size is specified as 25.8 kWh - sufficient for an NEDC range of around 270 kilometers. The electric motor has an output of 33 kW and 125 Nm. Renault calls the base price for China around 7,900 euros. The higher-positioned variants are priced at around 8,500 and 9,100 euros.

CO2 targets: No cheap new cars under 20,000 euros?

Europe adjustments drive up the price

So much electric car for so little money - of course that arouses desires in Europe too, especially with a view to Dacia. Even if Renault's electric car board member Gilles Normand has already announced to the industry magazine “Automobilwoche” that the model still has to be adapted for the European market, among other things to meet higher safety requirements.

For 15,000 euros than Dacia

Renault The K-ZE was developed together with Renault partner Dongfeng.