Paris gets electrified at the Motor Show

Every two years, the french capital welcomes the "Mondial de l'Automobile". This Motor Show, which is the most attended in the world (1,5 million visitors), is once more focused on EVs. OEMS are showing new models and a test track is welcoming visitors for a ride and drive. An electric village also welcomes plug suppliers.
Here is our guide of Paris Motor Show.




For Renault, this 2012 edition is the opportunity to launch the Zoe. This model has been homologated with an NEDC cycle range of 210 km. It also features the “Range OptimiZEr” to improve the real-world range, depending on driving conditions (between 100 and 150 km). Zoe can be charged at any level of power -taking between 30 minutes and nine hours - due to the “Caméléon” charger.
It is also the first Renault vehicle to be presented with R-Link, a multimedia system featuring a seven-inch touch screen tablet, navigation and connected services.

PSA is much focused on Hybrid4 technology. However, Peugeot makes the buzz with Onyx concept car. It is powered by a V8 hybrid engine.

Citroen is also introducing a concept car. DS3 Electrum is powered by two electric motors at the front.

Bolloré Group, which supplies Autolib' car sharing service with electric cars, is now ready to offer a version of the Bluecar for private customers. The 250 km range has been validated by intensive driving in Paris.

Small is beautiful, says Toyota. Here is the IQ EV model serie.

German OEMS are also electrifying Paris. Mercedes impresses with the amazing SLS AMG E-Cell. Daimler also exhibits the future B-Class (powered by Tesla) and the Brabus version of the Smart Fortwo Electric Drive.

BMW is showing a Spyder version of the i8 concept, as well as naked version of the i3 revealing the Life Drive structure. The other highight is the Active Tourer concept (a plug in hybrid).

Audi is also introducing a concept car. The Crosslane, which is a A1 based crossover, is a plug in hybrid.

Beside electric vehicles and plug in hybrids, fuel cell technology is well represented at Paris Motor Show. For instance, Nissan is displaying the TeRRA. This 4WD crossover has three electric motors, powered by a compact fuel cell.

Some other OEMS (Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes and Toyota) have also displayed a fuel cell car. During a European Road Tour, scandinavian organisation H2 Moves made a stop at Paris Motor Show.

As for EVs with charge points, a refuelling infrastructure has to be deployed. This what it will look like for an hydrogen station with Air Liquide.

Next, we will discuss connected cars.