RENAULT'S launch into the electric car market will continue next year with the arrival of the Fluence saloon which will be priced from £17,580 after the Government's £5,000 grant for electric vehicles.

The pricing will make the Fluence the cheapest mainstream EV on the road in Britain.

Rivals such as the Nissan Note and Mitsubishi i-Miev cost almost £25,000 even with the Plug-In Car grant.

Compared to other electric cars the Fluence looks quite conventional and Renault is claiming a range of up to 115 miles between charges.

The zero emission model will follow on from Renault's odd looking Twizy two seat electric car which will be going on sale earlier next year costing £6,690.

Buyers of the Fluence will also face a £75 a month charge to lease the vehicle's battery.

The car will be fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control, cruise control, ecoMeter and Carminat TomTom Live smart satellite navigation and will have charging sockets on both front wings.