Renault hosted The Green Mobility Initiative at HortPark on 9^th May, a forum that saw industry leaders share insights into Singapore's upcoming electric mobility developments. Speakers at the event included Prof. Leo Tan, Chairman, Garden City Fund, National Parks Board, Mr. Goh Chee Kiong, Head of Strategic Development, SP Group, Mr. Frank Vitte, Managing Director, BlueSG, Mr. Damien Dhellemmes, Country President, Schneider Electric, Mr. Doug Parker, COO, nuTonomy, and Mr. Emmanuel Bouvier, Marketing Director, Renault Asia Pacific. 

During the forum, the different speakers highlighted the increased proliferation of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in today's automotive market, as well as how the use of EVs will continue to grow and play a significant part in our future.

At the same time, battery technology, power systems and the electrical infrastructure will continue to improve. And, as more countries look towards the adoption of EVs, with some even planning to eventually stop the sale of conventional combustion engine vehicles, it is no surprise that Singapore is also pushing ahead with the embracing of new green technologies. 

At the forefront of automotive electrical technology is Renault. Presently, Renault is the number one EV manufacturer in Europe and the best selling EV brand since 2010. The event also saw the local launch of the new Zoe, as well as the new Kangoo Z.E., Singapore's first long range full-electric commercial vehicle. 

The new Zoe is engineered with the new Z.E. 40 battery, producing up to 41kWh of expendable energy that allows the Zoe to have a New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) range of 367km and a real world range of up to 320km, making it the longest range all electric hatchback in Singapore. The electric motor is rated at 68kW and produces a maximum of 225Nm of instananeous torque.

Using the on-board Cameleon smart charger, the battery can also be fully charged in under three hours, and is compatible with Type 2 AC charger up to three-phase 22kW. As the car produces zero emissions, it also qualifies for the maximum $20,000 VES rebate. 

With a 7.0-inch touchscreen display, automatic air-conditioning with remote control cabin pre-conditioning, rear parking sensors with rear view camera, as well as 337 litres of boot space, the Zoe also has all the necessary amenities of a practical hatchback. 

The new Kangoo Z.E. is Singapore's first 100 percent electric commercial van, with a maximum NEDC range of 264km, the highest driving range of all electric utility vehicles. The 44kW electric motor delivers 225Nm of instantaneous torque, allowing for brisk acceleration even with full load. The 33kWh battery, with 50 percent more stored power than the previous Kangoo Z.E., means that the Kangoo Z.E. has a real world driving range of up to 200km. The Kangoo Z.E. also has a maximum payload of 650kg. 

In commeration of the launch of its EV range, Renault also donated two Twizys to the National Parks Board (NParks). The Twizys will support NParks' efforts in providing and enhancing the greenery of Singapore's City in a Garden.