| First Drive | Paris, France | Renault Fluence Z.E. |

A new electric car is no longer a shock; a weak current of zero emissions models is rapidly becoming a full charge. Renault wants to lead that charge and is positive the Fluence saloon will spark aflame even the most negative electro-sceptic. It isn't electrifying - it's a mid-level family saloon. But that's exactly the point...

In the Metal

The Fluence Z.E. (Zero Emissions) we're driving here is a prototype and is, bizarrely, a few centimetres shorter than the final car will be. The production version's extra length will allow the batteries to be more neatly packaged behind the rear seats, augmenting a currently quite small boot.

But even in pre-production form the car boasts proper head- and leg space for four six footers. Think Mégane in terms of cabin ambience, design and quality and you're on the right grid. The only real difference is the odometer, which has analogue gauges to indicate your real-time power sapping, and remaining charge.

What you get for your Money

Fluence Z.E. production begins at the start of 2011, though the good ol' internal combustion version was launched recently in parts of Europe - including Ireland. The UK won't see the circa-Laguna sized saloon as a petrol or diesel model, but we will get the Z.E. version in 2012.

It won't surprise you to learn that the French dudes aren't too keen on saying how much it will cost. But using all our best journalistic sorcery we ascertained it should be priced on par with the internal combustion versions, once the £5,000 Government grant has been subtracted. That could still put the price anywhere between £20- and £30,000. The promised equipment list is long and luxurious, though.

Driving it

The absence of internal combustion rattle gets less eerie with every new electric car we drive, but it's still not quite normal yet. From a road tester's point of view it's quite disorienting - electric cars all tend to feel about the same. Turn the key, check the dashboard for the 'on' light, tentatively tickle the throttle, be impressed as it pulls away with only a faint rumble from the tyres and a whizz from the motor.

The fundamentals of the Fluence all seem about right at the moment. The ride is compliant, the steering light, the cabin a suite of calmness. Certainly, the refinement levels are at production car standard. Its 94bhp (70kW) power output isn't shocking - in fact it's a little lethargic if anything - but that old maximum torque at zero rpm chestnut at least makes it feel zingy from the get-go. There's 167lb.ft of it. Quite stark engine braking at all speeds is the cost for a motor that becomes generator when the throttle's not in use, though the brakes aren't grabby at all - a common electric car issue.

Worth Noting

The Fluence's battery can be charged from a household socket in eight hours for a 100-mile range, though by the time cars hit the UK there should be a quick charging network too, meaning a full charge in 30 minutes or so.

Alternatively, whirr your way to a battery change station and swap your chunk of lithium ion for a fresh one. The cost and ownership logistics of that are sketchy at the moment, but it's a three-minute, automatic operation.

Summary

As a Renault three-box saloon the Fluence is probably going to have about the same level of functional appeal as a packet of AAA Duracells. However, lots of space, a useful range of charging solutions and a (probably) reasonable price will ensure the Fluence leaves showrooms quickly and quietly when it comes to the UK in 2012.