Renault Zoe is one of the most popular electric cars in the market, offering a comfortable driving experience, impressive range, and affordable price. The Zoe was first introduced for the 2012 model year while the concept came back in 2005. In this article, we are going through everything you need to know about it. So, is Renault Zoe a good car?
Yes, the Renault Zoe is a really good car for its market segment. With the growing concerns about climate change and increasing awareness of the environmental impact of fossil fuels, more and more people are turning to electric vehicles as a viable alternative to traditional petrol and diesel cars. The Zoe is the entry point toward the world of EVs, and a few hundred thousand of these have been sold by now.
The Zoe can be had with a few different battery configurations depending on your budget and your preference. It is a small city car that garnered massive sales in France between 2013 and 2020 where it was the most popular electric car on the market.
We are now going to go in-depth about all of the specifics the Zoe has to offer. This includes talking about the powertrain, the design, the driving experience, reliability, practicality, and pricing. So, if you are in the market for one, be sure to stick around!
This is the problems that Renault Zoe has.
The Powertrain
The initial models of the Zoe were available with a 22kWh battery or a 44.1kWh battery. The smaller 22kWh model is powered by a single electric motor with 88hp and around 130 miles of range on a full charge. The larger 44.1kWh battery model also offers 88hp, but it offers much more range at around 230 miles of range.
The very latest models are available with just a 55kWh battery, but with two power configurations. The first one is 108hp and is good for around 240 miles while the 135hp model can last a little bit less. The Zoe also comes with a 22kW fast charging DC rate which can replenish the battery in one hour while a slow 11kWh charging rate will recharge the battery in two hours.
All in all, the Renault Zoe is tuned to be a comfortable city car which means that it does not feel particularly quick. Even though the car looks rather small, it does weigh over 3300 lbs which is not a small number for a small city car.
Design and Driving Experience
The front of the car has a distinctive Renault logo that sits atop a black grille, with sharp headlights that give it a sporty feel. The rear of the car has a compact and rounded shape with an integrated spoiler, giving it a distinctive and futuristic look. The interior is available in a range of colors and materials, allowing buyers to customize their cars to their liking.
The Renault Zoe is known for its smooth and comfortable driving experience. It is an electric car, so it offers instant acceleration and a quiet, vibration-free ride. The car’s handling is responsive and easy, making it effortless to navigate through city streets or winding roads.
Reliability and Common Issues
The car’s electric drivetrain is known for its reliability and durability, with few reported issues or breakdowns. The Zoe has also performed well in independent reliability surveys, with high scores for overall customer satisfaction and reliability.
The most common problems include issues with the charging system, the heating unit, the infotainment system glitching out, and potential problems with lack of range in cold weather.
Practicality and Pricing
As mentioned in the intro, the Renault Zoe is a small city car which means that it isn’t designed to carry multiple passengers all the time. If you are tall, you should be able to get comfortable behind the wheel, but if you want to often carry passengers, you are going to feel a bit cramped. Getting in and out of the car is easy while visibility is really good.
In Europe, the starting price for a new Renault Zoe ranges from around €25,000 to €35,000 while UK prices range from £23,000 to £32,000, depending on the specific model and features selected. This price may vary depending on the country and any available government incentives or subsidies for electric vehicles.
FAQ Section
Is the Renault Zoe Safe?
The Renault Zoe has performed well in independent crash tests, including Euro NCAP. The car received a 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, with high scores for both adult and child occupant protection. The car’s safety features, including its advanced airbag system and reinforced body structure, helped to protect occupants in the event of an accident.
The Renault Zoe comes with a range of safety features as standard, including front and side airbags, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and hill-start assist. Higher-spec models also include additional safety features, such as lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and parking sensors.
Which Cars Rival the Renault Zoe?
The Renault Zoe competes with the Nissan Leaf, the Volkswagen ID.3, the BMW i3, the Peugeot e-208, and the Hyundai Kona Electric. The ID.3 is likely the most advanced car out of this bunch as it is the newest and comes with the most modern tech inside.
The Peugeot e-208 is also a really popular car in this segment as it looks really striking inside and out. The Hyundai Kona leans more toward the side of crossovers/SUVs which makes it more appealing as most people these days prefer crossovers over city hatchbacks.
Is Renault Discontinuing the Zoe?
Renault has not officially announced that it is discontinuing the Zoe electric car. In fact, the Renault Zoe is still being produced and sold in various markets around the world, including Europe, the UK, and other countries.
However, Renault has recently introduced a new electric vehicle platform called CMF-EV, which will underpin a range of new electric vehicles from the automaker, including the upcoming Renault 5 EV. This has led to speculation that Renault may eventually replace the Zoe with a new electric vehicle based on the CMF-EV platform.
