Renault and Nissan have been pioneers in zero-emission motoring thanks to their strategic alliance, and are set to capitalise as the market expands beyond the niche consumer. Nissan sold 25,000 LEAF models, and Renault has already taken 5,000 orders for its new EVs in three months. Thierry Koskas explains the changes making electric vehicles more appealing and accessible, and the behaviours they’re set to change forever.

The New Economy: Renault-Nissan has been a real pioneer in development of electric vehicles, so, what point in the curve are we at, in the adoption of the electric car?

Thierry Koskas: I think we are really at a tipping point in terms of electric car adoption. Previously the number of EVs that were sold in the world was extremely limited; now we are moving to a higher volume. For example, Nissan sold in total 25,000 Nissan LEAF. We have launched from Renault’s side the first vehicles three months ago, and we have already taken 5,000 orders, so we are now heading for big volumes. It’s really changing.

The New Economy: As you touched on, your group has produced the most popular zero emission so far, the LEAF. Why do you think that particular model has been a winner?

Thierry Koskas: I think it makes a big big difference compared to everything we’ve seen before. Reasonably cheap car, range that enables you to use the car on a daily basis, for daily trips. Very convenient. And obviously, zero emissions.

That changes a lot, compared to what we saw before. So, that makes EV now popular, whereas before it was very much a niche market.

And now another big addition to the range, in the shape of the Renault Zoe. Why do you think this kind of class of car might catch on with the customer; not so much the fleet customer, but the private buyer?

Yes, that’s going to be a winner. That’s typically a city car: four metres long, so you are really looking at, you know, every family that has a second car in the household. They can replace it with this type of car. Extremely convenient to commute, do daily trips. And as it’s released a year after the first models, that will be more advanced technically. Better range, lower price; so there will be a lot of progress on this car.

The New Economy: Is there a particular segment of the market where you expect electric vehicles to really make an impact in the next few years?

Thierry Koskas: Yes: I think the EVs will very much spread in a few typical segments like second cars. That’s a typical usage for an EV, I mean, with a car that can make 100 miles, that’s very good. Also let’s not forget vans, especially the minivan segment, where you know, you need urban delivery. Sometimes you get restrictions in some cities – you cannot go into city centres and so on, but with an electric car you can. And that will probably be one of the most promising segments we have in the future.

The New Economy: Of course the technology and the curb appeal are improving all the time, but what’s your approach to overcoming our love affair with the internal combustion engine? Persuading petrol-head consumers to go electric?

Thierry Koskas: Well I’m not really sure that we have a love affair with petrol cars! If it’s the only thing that you know, of course, you have to be in love. But at the end, as soon as you try an EV, you fall in love with it. That’s very much the feeling: to drive in silence, very good acceleration, the feeling that it’s good for the planet as well. Very convenient on a daily basis. So I think it’s very much a question of, okay: let’s try an EV, and you will soon forget your previous lover.

The New Economy: Looking ahead, one forecast from the International Energy Agency sees as many as 2.5 million electric vehicles on the world’s roads as soon as 2020. What has to happen to make that forecast a reality?

Thierry Koskas: Well actually, we think there could be more electric cars than 2.5 million in 2020. There are a few conditions though. The first one is, for the first years, we need the government’s help to develop EVs. It is more expensive at the beginning, so there is need for some support. We need also the infrastructure to spread; and we need also to ensure there is consistent progress on the technology.

With all that in mind, you know, definitely the petrol price will increase, and so EVs will spread. So, there are a few conditions, but we are extremely confident that it will happen.

The New Economy: Thierry Koskas, thank you very much.

Thierry Koskas: Thank you.