Renault hint at UK Fluence ZE launch prices

Renault UK held a test drive of the Fluence ZE and Kangoo Van ZE for fleet managers and contract hire companies at Birmingham’s National Motorcycle Museum last week. The company also indicated the price levels that will apply when the two pure electric vehicles are launched in the UK.

Renault start taking reservations for the Fluence ZE in June this year ahead of deliveries commencing next Spring. A European price was recently announced at 26,000 euros: around £22,900 at current exchange rates or £17,900 after the government’s plugged-in car grant. There is, however, a sting in the tail: customers must sign up to a four-year /9,000 miles per year lease of the battery at £67 per month. All prices are on-the-road, inclusive of VAT.

So ownership of the Fluence ZE is going to cost a customer around £21,120 over four years, assuming that the £5,000 plugged-in car grant is still available next Spring and that the Fluence ZE qualifies for it.

A highly competitive price?

At first sight this is a relatively favourable price compared with other electric vehicle prices announced so far – in particular the Nissan Leaf at £25,990 – but what Renault have not announced yet is the final payment for the battery. The battery is the most expensive component of an electric vehicle’s price so it will still command a significant price even after four years’ use.

On the other hand, Renault says, most owners will simply extend the lease beyond four years – which is likely to cost less than the £67 per month that applies during the first four years. In practice, of course, the first owner of the car will probably have sold the car in this period so the lease will pass to the second and subsequent owners.

All in all, it still gives the Fluence ZE a distinct price advantage compared with its EV competitors. The car’s appearance, as well as price, is a further key determining factor in the buying decision and arguably the Fluence scores over the rather quirky Nissan Leaf.

Both cars are five seat, C-segment medium cars in Ford Focus territory so it looks as though the Leaf will have a fight on its hands when the Fluence ZE is launched in a year’s time.

Kangoo Van ZE pricing

The Kangoo Van ZE will feature the same practical functions as the internal combustion-engined versions, plus the same load capacity (ranging from 3.0 to 3.5m³) and 650kg payload. Prices start from £16,990 excluding VAT, with £59 monthly payments (excluding VAT) battery lease over four years/9,000 miles per year.