Nissan and Renault started making electric vehicles in the early 2010s. The Leaf was for years the best-selling car of its type in the world. And the Zoé was the most popular electric model in Europe. But now, the competition is more numerous. And now, the references are Tesla and Volkswagen. In order not to lose ground, the alliance made up of Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi has decided on an investment plan of more than 20 billion euros. An investment that comes on top of the 10 billion euros already committed. The three manufacturers will jointly develop 35 new models of electric vehicles by 2030, around 5 platforms. The batteries will be common in order to reduce their manufacturing cost and to lower the price of electric cars to a level equivalent to those of thermal cars.
With expensive fuel, sales of boxes for driving on ethanol are also soaring
Flexfuel Energy, one of the approved manufacturers, announces that it has sold more than 16,000 boxes in 2021. An increase of 77% compared to the year before. He alone made half of the sales of the entire industry. Remember that E85 remains the cheapest fuel, with 75 euro cents per litre. Additionally, it can be found at more than 2,700 stations. Compatible with 9 out of 10 petrol cars, the boxes cost 850 euros on average and will pay for themselves after 20,000 km.
The gendarmes will drive in Peugeot 308 hybrids
In addition to the fleets of 5008s that have equipped the Police and Gendarmerie forces since last year, the Ministry of the Interior has taken delivery of the first 395 screen-printed units of the rechargeable Peugeot 3008 Hybrid for the National Gendarmerie. This engine will be used for intervention vehicles. And other copies of the 3008 plug-in hybrid are planned for the first quarter of 2022 for the Gendarmerie but also the Police.
And then the Renault 5 celebrates its 50th anniversary
To pay tribute to this legendary model, the diamond brand has planned several events. The kick-off was this weekend, with the participation in the Monte-Carlo Historic rally of Renault 5 Alpine Group II crews, accompanied by a Renault 5 Turbo. At the Rétromobile show in March, no less than 12 models will be exhibited, including the prototype which announces the rebirth of the model in 2024 in an electric version. In June, Renault will unveil an original concept car in collaboration with a renowned designer with a resolutely seventies pop and colorful universe. And in September, we can also see R5s on the Remparts circuit in Angoulême.