ZOE now offers best range of any mainstream electric vehicle
Irish drivers may applaud the zero emission cleanliness of an electric vehicle and relish the economy but up to now have been reluctant buyers writes Geraldine Herbert. Can the new Renault Zoe convert the EV sceptic?
What is it? The latest version of the Renault ZOE electric supermini promises to shake up the small-electric-car market with its keen pricing and very usable battery range.
First impressions of the new Renault Zoe? For 2017 Renault has facelifted the ZOE and it now sports new two-tone 16-inch wheels on the outside and a much improved cabin. Three new colours have also been added Mars Red, Titanium Grey and Ytrium Grey.
What is else new? The revised model may boast significant updates but its changes to the way the Zoe is sold that buyers will want to know about. When the Zoe first launched you had to lease the battery now the new version is offered as an all in one deal, you buy the entire car battery and all.
What about the interior? Inside it is light and airy cabin with lots of features borrowed from larger siblings. The almost spartan cabin is clean and deliberately simple save only the LED instrument display and iPad-like infotainment console. Optional features include heated leather seats and a bose sound system. Space in the front is good and tall types in the back will be just as happy as passengers and luggage will not be jostling for space.
A new ZE Trip app can tell you where the nearest available charging point so there is no wait plus it allows you to select charging points by charging type, charging capacity and speed.
ZOE was Europe’s best-selling electric car in 2015
And on the road? On the road it feels very much like the latest generation Clio and with no engine there’s much less noise to distract you from thinking just how green you’ve become. Like all EV’s, full power and torque is available instantly, so as you hit the pedal and it whisks you seamlessly from 0-100km in a leisurely 13.2 seconds it feels so much faster. Electric cars may be considered urban dwellers but our Zoe coped well on the motorway.
Am I likely to run out of range? We were huge fans of the original Zoe, however, the first incarnation could only manage around 160 kms on a single charge. This has now been addressed with a new 41kWh battery. This is almost double the capacity of the original 22kWh battery and pushes the ZOE’s range to a realistic 300kms so it beats the Hyundai Ioniq and Nissan Leaf.
How much? This latest model will be sold with a choice of both batteries; the older 22 kWh battery-powered is now the entry-level car so prices start from €23,490. This price which includes SEAI grant (€5,000) and VRT relief. The Dynamique Nav trim with the new battery is priced from €27,480. The Signature Nav version comes in at €28,980.
What about charging? The Zoe is also the first electric car to carry the Chameleon charger. It’s compatible with all power levels up to 43kW (fast charger) and offers charge times between 30 minutes and nine hours. According to Renault it can achieve an 80 per cent capacity in about an hour using the accelerator 22kWh public charge point.
What are my options? Three main trim levels, Expression Nav, Dynamique Nav and the new top-of-the-range Signature Nav . offer graduated amounts of goodies. All versions get a a 7-inch touchscreen housing Renault’s easy-to-use R-Link2 infotainment system with TomTom satellite navigation; climate control, electric windows and electric heated mirrors, cruise control, speed limiter, keycard, Bluetooth connectivity and ample storage throughout the cabin. We’d upgrade to Dynamique Nav to benefit from the new Z.E.40 battery with a real life 300km range plus you get a one-year subscription to the Z.E. Interactive app. Via a smartphone or computer this allows you to remotely charge your ZOE and schedule charges, as well as cabin temperature pre-conditioning, in order to maximise convenience and take advantage of available off-peak electricity rates.
How safe? ZOE keeps occupants safe with a five-star Euro NCAP rating and standard safety features such as ESC with traction and understeer control, Hill Start Assist and front and side driver and passenger airbags.
3 words to describe the Renault Zoe: Funky; Robust; Green
For more information check out Renault.ie , the Renault Ireland facebook page, or follow them on twitter
Geraldine Herbert
22nd May, 2017
