Renault will use this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show to show off three new electric car concepts, with one concept hinting at a production model from the French automaker. Renault plans to have its first all-electric vehicle on the road by 2012.

Renault is keeping tight-lipped on its first production EV, but did reveal it will be a five-door hatchback measuring in at about four-meters – roughly the size of the Nissan Cube. In fact, several reports indicate Renault’s EV will be based on the Cube, along with a similar vehicle from Nissan.

Stylistically, the Renault EV will be distinguishable from its internal-combustion counterparts, but it styling will not be over the top. “We want a real signature for our electric range, so when people see one in the street they will know it is a Renault electric car,” Renault developing chief Christian Steyer told Autocar. “The key is to do this without frightening customers away. Customers must be tempted, and not rushed too fast.” In other words, expect something more along the lines of the Toyota Prius rather than Renault’s previous EV concepts.

Renault will also have one of its charging stations on hand at the Frankfurt show. Additionally, Renault will display its ‘Quick Drop’ system which can change a car’s battery pack in about three minutes. Renault is planning a widespread rollout of it Quick Drop system at several strategically placed locations, essentially creating a network of ‘gas’ stations for EVs. Renault is hopeful its Quick Drop system will eliminate the range issues associated with electric vehicles.

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