Renault’s smallest EV, the City K-ZE, unveiled at Auto Shanghai 2019

Renault has revealed its City K-ZE electric compact crossover at the Shanghai motor show ahead of sales starting in China later this year. 

The new model, which is understood to offer a 155-mile range on the NEDC test cycle, was first revealed in concept form at the Paris motor show last year and is a key part of the French’s firm’s plan to dramatically increase its sales in China.

It becomes Renault’s smallest EV, sitting beneath the Renault Zoe, being broadly similar in size to the conventionally powered Twingo, with a wheelbase of 2,423mm and a boot capacity of 300 litres.

Inside, the City K-ZE has an 8.0in touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone compatibility.

It offers multiple charging modes, including a fast-charge function that can fill the battery from empty to 80 percent in 50 minutes.

The City KZ-E will be built in China by eGT New Energy Automotive, a joint venture between the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance and Chinese manufacturer Dongfeng.

It's based on Renault and Nissan’s CMF-A platform, currently used on the Indian-market Renault Kwid and Datsun Redi-Go. Renault has previously said the platform will be modified heavily for the City K-ZE, both to accommodate the electirc powertrain and to fit the expectations of differing markets.

While it will initially be launched in China, Renault says the City K-ZE has been designed to “European quality standards”. It's due to be offered in a number of global markets, including Europe, if it proves a success in China. No decision has been made on where models for Europe would be built, however.

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