Electric cars - it has been a long while since the breed has emerged on global showcase, albeit in prototype trims. Not too long ago however, a number of carmakers have seriously pondered over the idea, turning them into mass-produced reality.
There is little wonder that our nation has been dilatory in the adoption of such technology. While there are numerous out there who deem it as the motoring solution for the future, there are still many who are sceptical about the idea. Inevitably, the question in mind is the maturity of the technology - safety, usability, and how it can suffice our needs, and more than often our wants - think of a sub-4 seconds supercar that runs on invisible charges.
Back to 'reality', it is the bread-and-butter car that most of us would be most concerned, so as to speak, and if the electric-powered variant would serve as an alternative.
Other than the 'RD' plate and decals, little sets this car apart from the others on our local roads
There is little wonder that our nation has been dilatory in the adoption of such technology. While there are numerous out there who deem it as the motoring solution for the future, there are still many who are sceptical about the idea. Inevitably, the question in mind is the maturity of the technology - safety, usability, and how it can suffice our needs, and more than often our wants - think of a sub-4 seconds supercar that runs on invisible charges.
Back to 'reality', it is the bread-and-butter car that most of us would be most concerned, so as to speak, and if the electric-powered variant would serve as an alternative.
Other than the 'RD' plate and decals, little sets this car apart from the others on our local roads  |
Exterior
Visually, the Z.E. is hardly any different from the standard petrol variant. Unique to the electric Fluence is the LED- tail-lamps, amidst a handful of go-green (blue in this case) decals, and of course the dual charging sockets up on each flank. The electric variant also has a stretched boot length to accommodate the battery pack
The Z.E. has a 130mm stretch over the standard petrol-driven variant. As much as it seems on paper, it does take a keen eye to spot the differences. Despite having a longer boot, the Z.E. still suffers a cut in boot volume. This, however, contribute to the driving characteristics, all thanks to a considerably different weight distribution - which shall be discussed in the latter section.
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Interior
The Z.E. offers a no-fuss interior - simple-looking but packs all the accessories that you will need in your daily commute. Controls are done via the panel situated just beside the handbrake, and although it packs a functional turn-knob with a couple of function buttons, it feels slightly less intuitive than those found on other continental offerings.
Knobs and switches are relatively simplistic to look at and to work, centre control a tab less intuitive
The Z.E. offers a no-fuss interior - simple-looking but packs all the accessories that you will need in your daily commute. Controls are done via the panel situated just beside the handbrake, and although it packs a functional turn-knob with a couple of function buttons, it feels slightly less intuitive than those found on other continental offerings.
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Designed for maximum practicality for daily commuting, the Z.E. seats five in comfort, without any reduction in the cabin space as compared to the standard Fluence. It does this by simply integrating the battery pack to the boot area of the car. Although this is no contender in the luxury segment, the interior are adequately plush, with a nicely bolstered leather rear bench and even air-conditioning outlets for the rear occupants.
As you would have expected of an electric car, the cabin is in total serenity. As a result, external obtrusions, such as wind and tire noise are more noticeable, but hardly cause a stir.
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The Drive
As with other electric models, the Z.E. is easy to get accustomed to, in terms of operating - once the green signage lights up on the dashboard, you are good to go.
With all the torque available almost instantaneous when you peddle to the metal, the Z.E. is punchy, not to say the least fun to drive especially in our urban landscape. In fact, the car feels faster than the claimed 13 seconds for the century sprint.
For a front-wheel drive, the Z.E. behaves differently - all thanks to the better weight distribution with the rear-mounted battery pack. The steering provides adept amount of assistance in low-speed manoeuvres, which makes driving in the city much less of a hassle.
The downside is that once you get on speed, the wheel feels less organic, slightly numb to the touch. This does take away a wee-bit of confidence, especially during highway bends. Otherwise, the Z.E. is actually great fun to drive in the urban landscape with wholesome amount of torque on tap.
In an electric car however, any afore-mentioned weaknesses would somewhat feel less of a pinch - as the arguably the range / energy gauge would be the centre of attraction in any drive. The Z.E. will do 130km on a single charge, even with the radio and air-con on. While that should suffice for most of the local motorists, it takes up to eight-hours to 'refill a full tank of fuel', which also means it can be a hassle when it comes to the longer waiting time.
As with other electric models, the Z.E. is easy to get accustomed to, in terms of operating - once the green signage lights up on the dashboard, you are good to go.
With all the torque available almost instantaneous when you peddle to the metal, the Z.E. is punchy, not to say the least fun to drive especially in our urban landscape. In fact, the car feels faster than the claimed 13 seconds for the century sprint.
For a front-wheel drive, the Z.E. behaves differently - all thanks to the better weight distribution with the rear-mounted battery pack. The steering provides adept amount of assistance in low-speed manoeuvres, which makes driving in the city much less of a hassle.
The downside is that once you get on speed, the wheel feels less organic, slightly numb to the touch. This does take away a wee-bit of confidence, especially during highway bends. Otherwise, the Z.E. is actually great fun to drive in the urban landscape with wholesome amount of torque on tap.
In an electric car however, any afore-mentioned weaknesses would somewhat feel less of a pinch - as the arguably the range / energy gauge would be the centre of attraction in any drive. The Z.E. will do 130km on a single charge, even with the radio and air-con on. While that should suffice for most of the local motorists, it takes up to eight-hours to 'refill a full tank of fuel', which also means it can be a hassle when it comes to the longer waiting time.
Conclusion
For the eco-conscious individuals, the Fluence Z.E. is no doubt like a dream come true - finally an electric offering in Singapore that is practical for everyday usage and emits nothing at all.
While the Fluence Z.E. is indeed a potent electric offering from the Frenchman, capable of handling our daily needs, the lack of local infrastructure still poses a huge gap in bridging the reality and the eco-dreams.
For the eco-conscious individuals, the Fluence Z.E. is no doubt like a dream come true - finally an electric offering in Singapore that is practical for everyday usage and emits nothing at all.
While the Fluence Z.E. is indeed a potent electric offering from the Frenchman, capable of handling our daily needs, the lack of local infrastructure still poses a huge gap in bridging the reality and the eco-dreams.
