Elect'road
| Company type | Plug-in series hybrid vehicle |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Plug-in hybrid electric van |
The Elect'Road represents a plug-in series hybrid adaptation of Renault's Kangoo, introduced in the European market in 2003, with primary availability in France, Norway, and the United Kingdom. This model was marketed alongside Renault's Electri'cité battery-electric version of the Kangoo van. After approximately 500 units were sold within these regions, Renault ceased production of the Elect'Road, which was priced near €25,000.
Powered by a nickel-cadmium battery pack combined with a liquid-cooled Lombardini LGW523 MPI gasoline engine serving as a "range extender," the Elect'Road provided an electric driving range of .
As one of the pioneering plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) offerings, it operated under a blended mode, drawing power simultaneously from both the internal combustion engine and the battery system.
Heating for occupants was supplied through electrical energy from the battery supplemented by an auxiliary coolant circuit warmed by the range extender engine.
Motor
Featuring a synchronous motor design that eliminates the need for brush replacements, this system reduces maintenance requirements compared to alternatives such as the Citroën Berlingo Electrique.
Batteries
The vehicle utilized Saft-manufactured nickel-cadmium batteries, enabling an all-electric range between and . The battery assembly consisted of two separate compartments located beneath the chassis: one housing 8 monoblocks and another containing 14 monoblocks. Both compartments incorporated fan cooling and maintained a minimum capacity of 100 A·h. The entire battery pack operated at 132 V with an energy capacity of 13.2 kWh.
A built-in 3.5-kilowatt charger allowed recharging up to 95% capacity in roughly four hours when connected to a 220-volt power source.
Battery longevity was assured for five years or 1500 charge cycles, with replacement expenses estimated at approximately €7,000.
Range extender
The range extender consisted of a Lombardini LGW 523 MPI liquid-cooled gasoline generator. It incorporated two high-output alternators capable of delivering up to at 132 volts and 5000 rpm. Generator output and engine speed adjusted dynamically according to power demand.
Equipped with multipoint fuel injection and a catalytic converter, this engine met Euro 2000 emissions standards. The fuel tank, with a capacity of , was situated within the right rear wheel arch. Engagement was controlled via a dashboard-mounted switch.
The Elect'Road featured a “boost” mode that enhanced power output from 22 kW to 29 kW for improved acceleration, alongside a “snow” mode tailored for enhanced traction on slippery surfaces.
When operated continuously, the range extender consumed fuel at approximately 7 liters per 100 km (39 mpg imperial). However, typical usage involving around 10% operation reduced consumption to about 3 liters per 100 km (91 mpg imperial).
Summary of Features
- Battery
- Air-cooled nickel-cadmium batterys with a five-year warranty covering 1500 charge cycles
- Charging specifications:
- From empty to 95% charge in four hours using an internal 3.5 kW charger on 220 V/15 A circuits
- Alternative charging mode at 2 kW compatible with 10 A circuits
- Range Extender:
- Fuel tank volume: 10 liters
- Power output:
- Standard Mode: 10 kW
- Boost Mode: Power increase from 22 to 29 kW
- Range and Maximum Speed:
- Electric-only mode: range of , maximum speed of
- Combined electric and petrol operation: driving distance between 150 and 200 km (90–120 miles) at
- Driving Features:
- Cabin preheating via mains power during winter months when plugged in
- Automatic creep function facilitating smooth vehicle starts
- Battery warning indicator activates when charge falls below 10%