Some of the world's greatest minds will be able to test-drive the latest in zero-emission technology when the Renault-Nissan Alliance takes part in a global conference of artists, scientists, economists, philosophers and activists next week in Edinburgh, Scotland.
The Renault-Nissan Alliance is the automotive partner of the annual TEDGlobal conference, an event which aims to answer questions such as ‘How can life be better lived?' The 2011 TEDGlobal will be held July 11-15, and a highlight for nearly 1,000 participants will be driving Renault and Nissan's zero-emission vehicles at the show and on the surrounding streets of Edinburgh.
TED started in 1984 as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment and Design. A nonprofit organization devoted to "Ideas Worth Spreading," TED conferences have become must-attend events for "early adopters" in worldwide industry and academia - including advocates of sustainability.
The Renault-Nissan Alliance is the global leader in sustainable transportation and the only car group launching a range of affordable EVs for mainstream consumers around the world. The first, the Nissan LEAF, is a mainstream, affordable zero-emission car that consumes no oil whatsoever and can be charged by nearly any energy source - from conventional electricity to home solar panels or other forms of renewable energy.
In addition to Nissan LEAF - European and World Car of the Year 2011 - TEDGlobal will also feature stylish, fun electric vehicles from Renault - Twizy and Fluence Z.E. (for Zero Emission). Both Renault Twizy and Nissan LEAF will be on display at Edinburgh's International Conference Centre. In order to allow conference delegates to experience the future of urban motoring first hand, Renault Fluence Z.E and Nissan LEAF will be available for short test drives on the streets of Edinburgh.
Nissan has already delivered more than 9,500 Nissan LEAFs in Japan, the US and Europe since sales began late last year. European sales are underway in Portugal, the Republic of Ireland, the UK and the Netherlands while order books have opened in Switzerland, France, Spain and Belgium with the first customers in those markets expected to start receiving their cars soon.
A roomy family hatchback that seats five adults comfortably, Nissan LEAF is powered by an in-house developed compact electric motor and inverter in the front of the car which drives the front wheels. The AC motor develops 80 kW of power and 280 Nm of torque, enough for a maximum speed of 145 km/h. Nissan LEAF has a range between charges of up to 175 km, as tested over the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC).
The zero-emission vehicle comes fully equipped with features such as air conditioning, satellite navigation, rear-view parking camera, quick charge socket and innovative smart-phone connectivity.
Renault EVs debut in Europe later this year. Renault Twizy is an innovative two-seat commuter car with eye-catching styling. Affordable, practical and safe, Twizy is easy to drive and even easier to park. It is the environmentally responsible choice for the inner city. Twizy features a 15kW AC motor and has a top speed of 80 km/h and a range of 100 km (NEDC).
Renault Fluence Z.E is a full electric five-seat saloon. Thanks to its innovative patented floor design that allows a fully automated battery pack swap to be undertaken in under five minutes, a Fluence recently won a 300 km Inter City Challenge - part of the influential 2011 Challenge Bibendum rally - beating conventionally powered cars as well as other EVs.
Fluence ZE is powered by a 70kW AC motor, has a top speed of 135 km/h and a range of 185 km (NEDC).
"TEDGlobal is an inspirational five days of thought-provoking presentations designed to provide genuine hope for the future. Similarly, the electric vehicles from the Alliance are the auto industry's hope for a future where we are no longer dependent on a single, non-renewable form of energy. It's an excellent partnership," said Hideaki Watanabe, Corporate Vice President of the Zero Emission Business Unit at Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and Renault-Nissan Alliance Managing Director, Zero Emission Business.