Renault Fluence
A pioneering electric saloon that bet its future on battery swapping.
- Power
- 95 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 13.0 s
- Top speed
- 84 mph
About the Renault Fluence
The Renault Fluence Z.E. was a landmark in early electric vehicle history, notable for being the first production EV designed for battery-swapping technology. Developed in partnership with Better Place, it featured a unique elongated rear to accommodate a vertical battery pack behind the seats, making it 13cm longer than the standard Fluence. While it offered a smooth and silent driving experience typical of early EVs, its commercial success was hampered by the collapse of the Better Place infrastructure and a mandatory battery leasing model. Today, it remains a rare curiosity of the first modern EV wave, often found at very low prices due to its limited range and complex battery ownership history.
Renault Fluence specs
The Renault Fluence produces 95 bhp (71 kW) and 226 Nm (167 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 13.0 seconds and has a top speed of 84 mph (135 km/h).
| Make | Renault |
|---|---|
| Model | Fluence |
| Trim | Z.E. |
| Years | 2011–2014 |
| Type | Electric |
| Body style | Saloon |
| Country | France |
| Engine | Synchronous electric motor with 22kWh lithium-ion battery |
|---|---|
| Induction | Electric |
| Power | 95 bhp (71 kW) at 3,000 rpm |
| Torque | 226 Nm (167 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 11,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 13.0 s |
| Top speed | 84 mph (135 km/h) |
| Transmission | Single-speed |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,543 kg (3,402 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 62 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
Renault Fluence rarity in CarSpot
The Renault Fluence is a Common card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 0 out of 100. Everyday cars you can spot on almost any street. A Common card is worth 10 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Renault Fluence fun facts
- The Fluence Z.E. was 13cm longer than the standard petrol model specifically to fit the battery pack without compromising the wheelbase.
- Only 79 units were officially sold in the UK before Renault withdrew the model from the market in 2014.
- It was designed to have its battery swapped in just three minutes at specialized Better Place stations, a concept that ultimately failed to gain global traction.