Renault introduces new supermini ZOE

Renault has announced exciting news regarding their flagship 100% electric car called ZOE. Renault’s new supermini ZOE is going to be available to reserve starting now, ahead of its UK showroom launch in Spring 2013. Renault's 4 strong electric vehicle range is stylish, affordable and incredibly versatile. Renault says it's perfect for commuting, supermarket and school runs, and for households who want to downsize their engine and carbon footprint.  With an NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) homologated range of up to 130 miles and an on-the-road price from just £13,650, ZOE is the first affordable car for everyday use to have been designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle. NEDC is a standard European measurement of emissions and consumption based on rolling road test.

ZOE will be the spearhead of the 'Renault 2016 – Drive the Change' plan to cut its global carbon footprint by 10% between now and 2013 and a further 10 per cent between 2013 and 2016.

Andy Heiron, UK Head of Electric Vehicles Programme, said: “ZOE will be the spearhead of the Renault Z.E. range. In addition to its compact size, attractive styling and affordable price tag, it showcases Renault’s technological excellence when it comes to electric vehicles.  ZOE also heralds the beginning of a new era of electric mobility for all and confirms our commitment to electric vehicles. It marks an important step for Renault which has a 114-year history of making major innovations a concrete reality for everyday motorists.”

ZOE will be the only electric vehicle to feature the Chameleon charger. Patented by Renault, this charger is compatible with all power levels up to 43kW. Charging batteries at a charging station can take between 30 minutes and nine hours, with 80 per cent of full battery power able to be achieved within 30 minutes using a single type of connection for the car. The ZOE comes with a synchronous electric motor with rotor coil, which has a power output of 65kW (equivalent to 88hp) and instantly delivers maximum torque of 220Nm. Acceleration and pull-away are responsive from low speeds, while top speed is limited to 84mph. Driving is more relaxing thanks to the silent ride and smooth, gearshift-free acceleration. A nifty feature included is ‘Z.E. Voice’, an alarm which warns pedestrians that the vehicle is approaching. ‘Z.E. Voice’ can be heard from 1 to 18 mph and was the subject of special design work to create a bespoke sound identity for ZOE. The driver can choose between three different sounds, while it is possible to turn off the warning system by simply pressing a button.

ZOE will be available in three trim levels – Expression, Dynamique Zen and Dynamique Intens.  ZOE Expression comes with an on-the-road price of £13,650, after the Government Plug-in Car Grant deduction, while the Dynamique Zen and Intens start from £14,750. Battery hire is another cost to consider and will cost around £70 per month. You can reserve your ZOE today for only a £49 deposit.

To find out about all of the standard specifications and additional extras available on all ZOE models, please visit Renault's website here.