Renault hopes to have “a few thousand” electric vehicles on trial in London in time for the Olympic Games in 2012, according to Renault chief operating officer Patrick Pelata.

An electric Kangoo, a big sedan and a Clio-sized car are all under consideration but the key for Renault is to have rented batteries at a monthly fee that is less than the cost of petrol instead of a permanent battery in the car.

“We can do that for a customer that does 12,000-15,000km a year (7,500-9,300 miles),” said Pelata.

The battery range will be around 150km on a full charge.

But while most electric cars need a 6-8 hour recharge, Renault is working on a quick drop concept where a spent battery can be exchanged for a fully charged one within a few minutes.

It has signed an agreement with Brighton-based Elektromotive with the aim of accelerating the installation of charging networks for electric vehicles in cities.

Elektromotive already has a network of 40 charging bays in London, and 40 in other UK cities.

Prices will be 2,000-3,000 euros above the most efficient diesel versions.

That premium will be offset by the savings on fuel costs and the tax breaks on CO2 emissions.

Nissan will also use the same battery technology in its electric models, which will come to market in a similar timeframe.

It is developing the battery technology with the two carmakers sharing the workload on electric motors.

Nissan is also developing the braking regeneration from its hybrid work while Renault is focusing on the air-conditioning and recharge of the car n conjunction with energy giant EDF.

For Renault, electric is the only viable alternative form of driving the car in the future. Pelata said: “Hybrid is an improvement; electric is a breakthrough.

"Hybrid is not worth the cost.”

 

  • PSA Peugeot-Citroen has revealed plans to sell electric vehicles in Europe in late 2010. The cars will be based on Mitsubishi’s technology used in its iMiev car.