(Fri 16 Apr 10)

Renault has confirmed the details of its first two ZE (Zero Emissions) all-electric vehicles, and has made it possible for potential owners to pre-reserve them on a dedicated website.

The vehicles are the Fluence (pictured), a mid-sized saloon, and a battery-powered version of the Kangoo van. Both will go on sale in 2011, and they will be followed later by production versions of the Twizy and Zoe concept cars.

The Fluence, which will be produced in Turkey, is more powerful than the French-built Kangoo, but inevitably it's also heavier. Each has a potential range of 100 miles, and a top speed limited to just over 80mph.

Renault is careful to point out the "zero emissions" refers to what the vehicles themselves actually produce, not including any emissions from whatever source the electricity. It believes that electric vehicles will account for 10% of all new-car sales by 2020, and along with Alliance partner Nissan it's making a lot of early effort to ensure that it becomes a key player.

Pre-reservation of these models can be made at www.renault-ze.com.

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