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Renault’s electric cars ‘will cost the same as its diesels’
By
Richard Yarrow
Industry news
28 April 2009 12:10
Renault won’t talk about EV sales aspirations, but Hawes admits it would be in the tens of thousands of units across Europe. The firm’s own research shows the continental EV market could be worth up to 300,000 sales by 2014.
Don’t doubt Renault’s seriousness about launching electric cars as a mainstream, viable choice. By 2015, the company claims that 15% of its total global sales will be electric cars.
Renault ‘wants to launch the electric equivalent of the Prius’
And Renault insiders say they want their vehicles to be the default choice for potential customers, in the way the Toyota Prius is for those seeking hybrids.
With EVs having 20% lower running costs, plus exemption from the London Congestion Charge under the current regime, there’s huge potential for fleet customers.
‘We are in talks with a couple of our larger users to discuss how we can meet their needs,’ said Hawes. ‘The initial discussions are very positive. If you can make it work and it’s operationally feasible them we believe we’re pushing against an open door.’
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