Renault Fluence Z.E. Base

Overview

The 2014 Renault Fluence Z.E. Base was an early adopter's electric sedan, offering a taste of zero-emission driving in a conventional package. Aimed at practicality over outright thrills, this French EV was primarily a European player, meaning direct US pricing wasn't a thing; any presence would have been via niche imports. With a 21 kWh usable battery and a Type 1 J1772 charge port, it was geared for city commutes. Think of it as a sensible, if slightly understated, entry into the EV world of its time, produced in Turkey.

What's New for 2014?

By 2014, the Fluence Z.E. was in its final production year, so don't expect any headline-grabbing updates for this Base trim. It was essentially a carry-over model, solidifying its role as one of the pioneering, albeit modest, electric family cars. The big news was really its impending discontinuation later that year, marking the end of this particular EV chapter for Renault. For Stateside folks, its rare status would be its most "novel" feature, having never officially graced US showrooms.

Design & Exterior

The 2014 Fluence Z.E. Base rocks a pretty conventional sedan silhouette, measuring a stately 186.9 inches long, 71.2 inches wide (excluding mirrors), and 57.4 inches tall. It doesn't scream "look at me, I'm electric!" like some modern EVs, opting for a more classic, understated charm. You get standard sedan proportions with unique Z.E. badging and a grille design subtly tweaked for its electric powertrain. It’s more about blending in quietly than making a flashy green statement, which some buyers might actually prefer.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside the Fluence Z.E. Base, it's a straightforward and functional affair for five passengers. Don't expect plush, high-end materials, but it’s decently put together for daily duties. Tech-wise, it’s a product of its time – think basic radio and essential displays rather than massive touchscreens or smartphone mirroring. Cargo space is a practical 11.2 cubic feet in the trunk, though the battery placement eats into what you'd find in its petrol sibling. Unfortunately, there's no frunk for extra bits, and details on max cargo with seats folded aren't specified.

Performance & Driving Experience

Under the hood, the Fluence Z.E. Base packs a 70 kW (around 94 hp) EESM electric motor driving the front wheels, delivering 167 lb-ft of instant torque. This translates to a leisurely 0-60 mph sprint in 13.2 seconds and a top speed of 84 mph. It's no rocket ship, but it’s smooth and perfectly adequate for city driving and relaxed cruising. The ride is generally comfortable, soaking up bumps well, and you get that typical quiet EV experience, though regenerative braking might feel pretty mild by today's standards.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Fluence Z.E. Base features a 21 kWh usable battery pack, which Green Cars Compare calculates gives a real-world range of around 86 miles – enough for daily urban hops. Efficiency is pegged at a decent 4.1 mi/kWh. For charging, you’ve got a standard US-friendly Type 1 (J1772) port hooked up to a 3.5 kW on-board AC charger, meaning a full top-up from empty will take roughly 6 hours. Forget rapid DC fast charging, though; this early EV wasn't designed for those quick pit stops on long journeys.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

When it comes to safety, the Renault Fluence Z.E. bagged a respectable 4-star rating from Euro NCAP. Official NHTSA ratings for the US market aren't available, as it wasn't sold here. For its era, standard safety kit would have included essentials like multiple airbags, ABS, and electronic stability control. However, don't expect the advanced driver-assistance systems common today; features like adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assist weren't typically found on this class of vehicle back in 2014.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

As the Fluence Z.E. was a European model and discontinued in 2014, direct US warranty info is purely academic. Typically, Renaults of that era might have offered something like a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and perhaps a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty covering the 400V battery against significant degradation. One of the perks of EV ownership is generally lower maintenance thanks to fewer moving parts compared to combustion engines, so upkeep would have been relatively straightforward, focusing on brakes, tires, and software.