Government considers Batteries hide new Renault van
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performance standard
THE POSSIBILITY of higher power-to-weight ratios being laid down for lorries was raised this week by Transport Minister Lynda Chalker.
In the course of a BBC Radio Four phone-in programme on Tuesday, a caller suggested that there should be a minimum performance capability for all vehicles of being able to climb a one-in-I0 gradient at 30mph, and suggested that some lorries are underpowered.
Chalker said: "I agree. I think that many lorries arc underpowered. I have thought about minimum speed limits.
"The power-to-weight ratio may be too low, hut I am also worried about the speed of lorries." IS THIS how Renault's longawaited new car-derived van will look?
Among the press releases received by CM is one dealing with this vehicle — an experimental electric van called the Renault Electric Express.
By tar the most interesting aspect of the vehicle is not its electric drive, but its body shell, which is based on the latest Renault 5.
Renault UK has been keeping very quiet about the successor to its ageing 4F6 model. However, CM understands that petrol and diesel Renault Five vans will be launched in Britain in 1986.
The Electric Express is one of several electric light commercials being developed