Renault Fluence Z.E. Base

Overview

The 2014 Renault Fluence Z.E. Base was an early stab at a proper all-electric family sedan, offering a surprisingly spacious cabin for its time. Discontinued after 2014, it aimed to make EV ownership more accessible, though it came with the unique quirk of a leased battery in many markets. As a used buy, you can snag one in the EU for around €5,950. It’s a no-frills entry into electric motoring, prioritizing practicality over outright performance or cutting-edge tech, making it an interesting, if compromised, piece of early EV history.

What's New for 2014?

For 2014, the Fluence Z.E. Base was essentially rolling out its final act, as production concluded this year. Don't expect any whizz-bang updates; it carried over largely unchanged from previous model years. The main 'news' for this specific year is that it represents the last chance to get this pioneering, albeit somewhat limited, electric sedan new, though now it’s purely a used market proposition. Its unique battery leasing model remained a defining, and often debated, characteristic right to the end of its Turkish production run.

Design & Exterior

The Fluence Z.E. Base won't be turning heads with radical EV styling; it’s very much a conventional sedan, based closely on its petrol-powered sibling. You'll spot subtle Z.E. badging and a distinctive charging port flap. It’s a sizeable machine, measuring 4748 mm in length, 1809 mm in width (excluding mirrors), and 1458 mm in height, giving it a solid road presence. Expect practical halogen headlights and basic wheel trims on this Base model, keeping things straightforward and functional, reflecting its budget-friendly approach to electric mobility.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside the Fluence Z.E. Base, you’ll find a cabin that’s functional and surprisingly roomy for its five seats, though don't expect plush materials – it’s built for durability. Tech-wise, it’s pretty basic; think a simple radio and CD player, though some might have had optional TomTom navigation. The boot offers 317 litres of space, a bit compromised by the battery. Sadly, there's no frunk for extra bits, and with no official figure for cargo capacity with seats folded, assume it’s modest for this sedan body style.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't expect Tesla-style ludicrous speed here; the Fluence Z.E. Base ambles from 0-100 km/h in a leisurely 13.7 seconds, topping out at 135 km/h. Its single Externally Excited Synchronous Motor (EESM), driving the front wheels (FWD), churns out 70 kW and a respectable 226 Nm of torque, making it perfectly adequate for city cruising. The driving experience is geared towards comfort and quiet, soaking up bumps reasonably well. It’s more of a smooth operator than a B-road blaster, with predictable handling and standard regenerative braking.

Range, Battery & Charging

Powering the Fluence Z.E. Base is a 21 kWh usable battery pack (22 kWh nominal), which Green Cars Compare estimates delivers a real-world range of around 139 km – okay for city hops but you'll be planning longer trips carefully. Efficiency is rated at a decent 6.62 km/kWh. Charging is done via its Type 1 (J1772) port; for many European public Type 2 chargers, you'll need an adapter. The standard 3.5 kW on-board AC charger means a full top-up takes about 6-8 hours from its 400V architecture. DC fast charging isn't available.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

The Renault Fluence Z.E. scored a respectable 4 stars in Euro NCAP safety tests back in its day, offering decent protection for occupants. Standard kit includes the essentials like ABS, ESP, and multiple airbags. However, don't expect a suite of fancy active safety gizmos. Features like adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assist weren't part of the package for this early electric pioneer. You might find rear parking sensors on some models, but advanced driver-assistance systems are notably absent, reflecting its era and price point.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

When new, the Fluence Z.E. likely came with Renault’s standard vehicle warranty, typically around 3-5 years, and a separate battery warranty, often 5-8 years or a set mileage, guaranteeing a certain percentage of capacity. However, for a 2014 model, these original warranties will have expired. The battery lease model common with these cars meant Renault often retained ownership and responsibility for the pack. Maintenance is generally lower than ICE cars, but always get a thorough battery health check on any used example you consider.