Renault is on a charge with its sparky range of electric vehicles.
Joining the uniquely styled two-seat Twizy, more conventional Fluence saloon and its Kangoo van is the latest ZOE supermini. A Twizy van is coming too later this year.
The stand-alone five-door ZOE compares in size to the conventional Clio but underneath is a bespoke platform with pure electric powertrain.
That utilises a 65kw or 88hp electric motor and single speed gearbox driving the front wheels and it has electrically assisted steering and energy harnessing disc/ drum brakes.
ZOE comes with its own charging cable and can be topped up or recharged overnight to give a range between 60 and 90 miles depending on weather and use.
It is one of the few vehicles now qualifying for exclusion from the new tough congestion charge in central London and which has hit hybrids and conventional petrol and diesel powered cars that were previously exempt or only carried a modest daily charge.
Fully charged and in the right conditions, the ZOE will reach 62mph from standstill in about 13.5sec and run to a maximum 84mph. That lively performance and reasonable range has been achieved because it was designed from the outset as pure electric model. It is comparatively lightweight at 1468kg, has ultra low rolling resistance tyres and an on-board heat-pump to turn unwanted heat into energy which it can utilise.
There is room for five and the boot holds 338 to 1225 litres so it’s quite a useful and practical design.
Renault UK product manager for ZOE, Ben Fletcher, said it is not only a practical car for many commuters who will save money on their motoring, but it also says a lot about the perceived image of the users.
He added, “ZOE is the first mainstream super-mini which is electrically powered but which can hold its own against conventional diesel and petrol powered rivals. We know it will not appeal to everyone but it has a strong case for some users and our specialists in each dealership will sit down with a potential customer to discuss their requirements to ensure they are best off with a ZOE rather than, say, a Clio diesel or petrol model.”
The ZOE attracts the UK Government grant towards its cost so the three model range of Expression, Dynamique Zen and Dynamique Intens cost from £17,793 for the former with the two Dynamique models at £19,393 before the 25pc grant is taken off. There is a four year, 100,000 miles warranty.
Renault has drawn up a unique battery rental only proposition for ZOE, which removes a big unknown cost for users and costs from £70 per month over three years with 7,500 miles limit. Two out of the three major UK residual forecasting companies will also quote future values on the ZOE.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
ZOE looks eye-catching but not eye-popping or quirky like its Twizy stablemate.
It’s easy to get into, fairly roomy infront but less so behind and the boot is suitable for a couple of cases or a lot of shopping bags at weekend. There is also reasonable oddments room throughout.
Starting is straightforward with a key-card but its silence is eerie and it moves off very smoothly when drive is selected and the only noise comes from the tyres crunching gravel or brushing tarmac. In town it can emit a warning sound below 18mph for pedestrians.
There is no gearchange to delay progress or increase noise level and it pulls strongly and can cruise easily with main road traffic. Brake pedal effort sometimes feels odd as the system recharges the battery and the steering also felt slightly different to normal.
It handles safely, rides slightly stiffly but still comfortably and it has good visibility for the driver and passengers.
Over a comparatively short route we saw the available range drop only slightly from its initial 60miles projection.
Over a conventional commuting day and providing you could top up or recharge the battery as necessary, the ZOE offers a real alternative to conventional super-minis but whether or not it is right for you is another matter to be considered and that will be the big turn on or turn off.
