Renault unveils K-ZE, pitches it as EV for the masses

Renault has just taken the covers off the K-ZE electric vehicle, as it makes its first appearance in India at the 2020 Auto Expo. The K-ZE is based on the Renault Kwid hatchback, which uses the CMF-A platform. Renault has plans to assemble the electric hatchback in India, with a launch likely in the next couple of years.  

The power for K-ZE comes from a 26.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack that powers the electric motor and can produce a peak output of 33 kW (44hp) and 125Nm of torque. This is also the same configuration as seen in the China-spec City K-ZE. On full charge, the all-electric hatchback has a claimed range of 271km (NEDC cycle). The battery can be topped up in 4 hours via an AC charger. With a DC fast charger, you can easily go from 30-80 percent in just 30 minutes.

The styling of the K-ZE is not vastly different from that of the petrol-powered Kwid that’s available in our market. It features a similar split-headlight design with LED DRLs, restyled front and rear bumpers, along with an almost identical overall silhouette. Although, the front grille differs from its petrol-powered counterpart, as it has a closed and more aerodynamic design.

On the equipment front, the K-ZE features an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, part-digital instrument cluster, dual-front airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system and a rear parking camera. The gear selector knob on the centre console is also the same as the Kwid AMT.

Renault India’s Managing Director, Venkatram Mamillapalle, stated that the K-ZE electric hatchback will be launched in India “within the next 2 years”. Once launched, the Renault Kwid EV could be the most affordable electric vehicle in our market.