Category Archives: ZOE

Renault Zoe review: compact EV trapped in no-man’s land

August 4, 2021Electric Cars, News, Reviews and Comment, Renault, ZOERepost

The Zoe’s size, range and price put this competent hatchback in a tricky position

There’s an advert on TV right now that shows four friends laughing and having a great time as they glide around in a Renault Zoe. The tagline is “room for everyone”.

Now, unless everyone is a contortionist, I’ve got an issue with that. The Zoe has many qualities but spaciousness is not one of them and it seems a strange thing to focus on.

Like most superminis you’ll just about fit two average sized adults and a couple of small kids into the Zoe but four adults will struggle, and they certainly won’t be smiling.

Personally, if I was Renault, I’d be making more of the fact that this is an EV that sits somewhere between a city car and a supermini but offers the kind of usable range usually reserved for far larger family vehicles – up to 238 miles on a charge.

In fact, if you’re really, really careful you can do some ridiculous distances in a Zoe. A team of volunteers from the Mission Motorsport charity managed to eke an unbelievable 475 from a single charge in a completely standard Zoe recently.

There’s an argument that if you’re using an EV for short urban journeys, you don’t need to worry about a huge range but that forgets the millions of people who can’t simply plug in and charge overnight. I’ll admit that it’s not a worry for everyone but for those in flats or terraced houses, a range of 240+ miles means far fewer trips to a public charging station than in other similar sized cars.

It also means that drivers who cover larger distances but don’t want or need a big family vehicle can opt for a compact EV capable of long drives.

The Zoe was once the only real option when it came to smaller EVs but now it finds itself surrounded by rivals ranging from the Fiat 500 and Honda e to the Vauxhall Corsa-e and Peugeot e-208. Yet in Z.E. 50 guise it still has the advantage over them in terms of range. The Vauxhall and Peugeot both offer just over 200 miles while the Fiat, Honda and Mini Electric offer between 135 and 199 miles on a charge.

In terms of range anxiety that plays into the Renault’s favour but the downside is that the big 52kWh battery means it’s priced closer to the Corsa and 208 while feeling more like the cheaper Mini or Fiat in terms of size and practicality.

Straddling the middle ground does give the Zoe some advantages. For a start, it feels as nimble and responsive as you’d want from a city car. It’s compact enough to dart confidently around the urban jungle, backed by the instant zip from its 132bhp motor.

But it rides better than most city cars and feels more confident on open roads where a combination of good body control, stability and impressive refinement mean it feels like its larger rivals.

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These models are are still eligible for the £2,500 electric car grant after new updates

April 1, 2021e, Electric Cars, Honda, Leaf, MG, MG5, News, Reviews and Comment, Nissan, Renault, Sales, ZOERepost

CAR GRANTS for those purchasing brand new fully-electric road cars have been dramatically cut from £3,000 to £2,500 under a new initiative from the Government.

Campaigners have attacked the proposals with many warning it could be families and those who need to purchase larger road cars who will be the most affected. The proposals also cap the scheme to models only priced below £35,000.

This means the UK’s most popular electric car, the Tesla Model 3 will no longer qualify as part of the plug-in grant discount.

With sales of brand new petrol and diesel road cars banned from 2040, drivers must switch.

But, road users can still secure a range of vehicles under the new measures including the popular Renault Zoe and Honda E.

Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is one of the longest-running electric vehicles on the market and is a popular option for those making the switch.

The Leaf is available for just over £27,000 while the Leaf + model can be purchased for around £33,000.

The classic Leaf is capable of up to a 168 miles of range on a single charge with the premium model said to manage up to 239 miles.

Nissan claims drivers who make the switch will also benefit from no congestion charge fees or Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) rates.

Nissan also states the cars are eligible for zero percent Benefit in Kind rates meaning company car owners will pay even less.

MG5 EV
The Government has confirmed one of the most popular electric cars the MG5 EV will still be eligible for grant payments.

The model starts from just £25,495 but is capable of up to 163 miles on electric power.

However, the car is one of the best low-budget options and even has a five star Euro NCAP crash test for extra road safety.

Honda- e
The Honda-e is one of the more quirkier electric cars on the market offering a unique, compact design.

The model is one of the only cars on the market to be fitted without traditional wing mirrors in place of camera technology beamed to the cockpit.

The car is available for just £27,000 but has a small range compared to some equivalent models with just 130 miles guaranteed.

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First there was Netflix. Now you can subscribe to an electric car

March 22, 2021Electric Cars, News, Reviews and Comment, Renault, Sales, ZOERepost

New services mean you can have a greener vehicle on your driveway for little commitment

You’ve already got a monthly Netflix subscription, and maybe a veg box delivery service. So why wouldn’t you start leasing an electric car on the same month-to-month terms?

Hot on the heels of bicycle and other monthly subscription services, drivers can now get electric cars on a renewable monthly basis, with everything included – even free charging.

A number of firms are now offering this fresh take on driving, effectively giving people a chance to try electric vehicles without the commitment of buying or entering a lengthy leasing agreement.

For £389 a month – with no up front deposit – Onto will provide a Renault Zoe 135 capable of about 190 miles on a full charge. As with Netflix, the contract automatically renews each month unless you cancel, meaning that as long as you keep paying, the car stays outside your house.

Included in the monthly fee is the insurance, maintenance and servicing, tyres, breakdown cover, the London congestion charge registration – and charging at 11,000 public chargers.

Analysts say it is a great way to try an electric car without a huge financial commitment. Until now, the options were expensive leasing deals, typically lasting a minimum of two years, starting at around £240 a month. Usually, there’s a deposit of three monthly payments upfront, and drivers have to insure and service the car themselves. Those buying a new electric car faced having to hand over a minimum of £25,000.

By the end of this month Onto expects to have a fleet of 2,300 vehicles and is planning to double in size every three months throughout 2021.

Its service is based on its smartphone app. Customers have to be aged 25-85 and have to have a driver’s licence with no more than six penalty points in the last three years. You also can’t have been the cause of more than one crash in the last three years.

However, if you qualify and can pass the firm’s ID and other checks, it will deliver a car to your home (for £49.50) within 72 hours. There are a range models on offer – from the Zoe starting at £389 a month, up to the luxury Jaguar I-Pace at £1,299 a month.

The Tesla Model 3 starts at £799 a month for the standard car, while the long-range version, with a 280- mile range on a full charge, is £999 a month.

The crucial difference between these prices and conventional leases is that they include access to Onto’s fleet insurance policy. Users are allowed to use the car for commuting, social use and occasional business. However, commercial use, as a taxi or similar, is prohibited.

When you consider it could easily cost £800-£1,000 a year for many drivers to insure these cars, Onto’s pricing starts to look like good value. If you want a partner or friend to be able to drive, you’ll pay an extra £9.99 a month.

Be warned, though, that if you have an accident you will have to pay the first £1,000 of any claim.

Hirers get 1,000 miles included in their monthly fee, but you can buy extra if you find your mileage starts adding up.

Rather bizarrely, you don’t get the actual car keys: you will only be able to use the app on your phone to unlock, lock, and start the car.

The best bit is that if you decide you don’t need the car, after three months for instance, you can hand it back with no financial penalty other than the £49.50 collection fee.

Equally you can trade up or down to a better car, or a cheaper model, at any time. All the firm’s cars are 100% electric.

Free charging comes via BP Pulse, Shell and Tesla’s network, which would normally cost 30p per kWh, or around £15 to fully charge a Zoe. There is, of course, nothing to stop you charging the car at home at your own expense.

The other main difference between this service and a conventional lease is that you don’t get a new car: but it will generally have low mileage and be less than two years old.

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RENAULT ZOE NAMED ‘BEST SMALL ELECTRIC CAR FOR VALUE’ IN THE WHAT CAR? CAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2021

February 14, 2021Electric Cars, News, Reviews and Comment, Renault, ZOERepost

Renault ZOE named ‘Best Buy’ for value in the small electric car category at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2021

All-electric supermini praised for its blend of affordable pricing, 245-mile range and practicality
Recognised as being an attractive buy whether purchased outright or via PCP
Eighth consecutive year that the Renault ZOE has been recognised in the annual What Car? Car of the Year Awards
ZOE retail customers receive £500 towards 7kW wallbox installation for convenient charging at home
ZOE range starts from £26,995 OTR after Plug-in Car Grant
The Renault ZOE has underlined its appeal as the perfect entry to pure-electric vehicle ownership after being hailed as the ‘Best Small Electric Car for Value’ in the What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2021.

The well-known magazine and online new car buying platform awarded the all-electric New ZOE ‘Best Buy’ for value in the rapidly growing small EV sector after being won over by its unrivalled combination of affordability and everyday usability.

On What Car?’s decision to name the zero-emissions-in-use ZOE its very first small electric car champion for value, Steve Huntingford, Editor, said: “The Renault ZOE is one of the cheapest electric cars you can buy – outright or on PCP finance. However, it demonstrates its value in other ways, too, including the fantastic range and practicality it offers. Unlike some rivals, it really could be your only car.”

The ZOE is certainly no stranger to success in the annual What Car? Car of the Year Awards, having previously won the ‘Best Small Electric Car’ category for seven consecutive years. The awards recognise the best new vehicles on sale in the UK across 20 categories, with What Car? also introducing its ‘Best Buy’ accolades this year which pinpoint cars with standout individual qualities such as value, comfort and practicality.

Vincent Tourette, Managing Director, Groupe Renault UK, said: “We are delighted to accept this accolade and that What Car? has chosen to award the ZOE, especially in light of how fast the small electric car sector is advancing. Core to our extensive electric vehicle development is providing affordable, sustainable motoring to all and this award is another illustration of how we work to overcome the hurdles of cost and practicality that often stand in the way of drivers who are wishing to switch from a traditional petrol or diesel car to an electric vehicle.”

In particular, What Car? haloed the value of the ZOE Iconic with the R110 motor and a 52kWh battery with the option of 50kW rapid charging that can be charged to 80 per cent in just one hour and ten minutes. The well-equipped version offers a highly usable driving range of up to 245 miles (WLTP).

The ZOE Iconic combines its usability with an extremely comprehensive specification. On top of features that are standard across the ZOE range, which include a 10-inch TFT Driver Information Display complemented by seven-inch EASY LINK infotainment display with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB connectivity, air conditioning, handsfree keycard, full LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, automatic lights and wipers, the Iconic adds such equipment as 16-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, all-round electric windows, satellite navigation and automatic climate control. The Renault ZOE Iconic starts from £28,495 on-the-road after the Plug-in Car Grant (PiCG).

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Renault Zoe takes the crown as Europe’s best-selling EV

February 6, 2021Electric Cars, News, Reviews and Comment, Renault, ZOERepost

French city car knocked the Tesla Model 3 off the top spot.

The Renault Zoe knocked the Tesla Model 3 off its perch to become Europe’s best-selling battery-electric car in 2020.

A total of 1.42 million battery-electric and plug-in hybrid cars were sold in Europe during the year, which represented a 147 per cent increase on the year before. The Zoe, as one of Renault’s core electric offerings, totalled sales of 99,261 – a 118 per cent year-on-year increase. It helped the Zoe to eclipse sales of the Tesla Model 3, which came in at 85,713. This represented a nine per cent year-on-year drop.

According to data from car industry analysts Jato Dynamics, electrified vehicles – either fully electric or plug-in hybrid models – represented 12 per cent of all cars sold across 23 European markets.

Volkswagen’s new ID.3 came in third place for the year with 56,118 vehicles sold despite its entry into the market during the middle of 2020. Jato Dynamics’ data has shown that the ID.3 was the second best-selling vehicle throughout a wider market of 27 European countries during December, with 27,997 units sold.

Other notable names in the list of EV best-sellers included the Hyundai Kona – with 47,796 sales – and the Peugeot e-208, with 31,287 units sold.

Mercedes, meanwhile, tops the list of PHEV manufacturers, helped by the introduction of its A-Class and E-Class plug-in hybrids. The former sold 29,427 units in 2020, outclassing the former market leader – the Mitsubishi Outlander – of which 26,673 units were sold, down 21 per cent on the previous year.

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The Zoe Led Renault’s Electric Climb Up The Sales Charts In 2020

January 21, 2021Electric Cars, Energy and Climate Change, News, Reviews and Comment, Renault, ZOERepost

Renault claims it is now the EV leader in Europe. The French carmaker announced as much as it wrapped up sales figures for 2020.

The carmaker’s worldwide sales figures are down due to the pandemic, but its EV sales have been buoyed by the little Renault Zoe, which moved in big numbers across the region. Really, Renault’s EV figures have not been buoyed by the Zoe so much as surged on. Renault sold 115,888 electric vehicles in Europe. This is an increase of 101.4 percent over 2019. Of those EVs sold, 100,657 were Zoes.

Clearly, it’s because of the Zoe that Renault is claiming the EV crown in Europe, and we would tell the French multinational to mind its victory lap, with competitors like the Volkswagen ID.3 and the MG ZS EV at the Zoe’s heels. But there’s no denying that the Zoe is enjoying unprecedented success.

And even though the Zoe is Renault’s EV heavy-hitter at the moment, making up roughly 86 percent of Renault’s entire EV sales, the carmaker expects its other BEV and PHEV models — such as the Clio, Captur and Megane Estate — to round out the sales stats. And Renault is looking forward to its upcoming E-TECH hybrids like the Arkana and Megane sedan.

Try saying that last model name fast five times — it’s actually not that hard, but it is fun. The Dacia Spring Electric and the Renault Twingo Electric will join the Zoe this year, too, and this gives us a clear look at the Groupe Renault’s EV lineup into the new year. Those three models cover the crossover, mini, and supermini segments, so Renault is placing itself in a good position to take on the likes of Volkswagen and Honda.

And to zoom out and look at the broader European market, overall sales of EVs — again, both PHEVs and BEVs — reached 1.33 million units last year, according to Schmidt Automotive Research. That figure amounts to 12 percent of all new cars sold across Europe in 2020. Even though that is a relatively small slice, it’s still a significant number.

Though, it’s important to note that the delta in ICE vs. EV sales could have skewed slightly in favor of electrics due to the pandemic affecting sales overall. Meaning, EVs got a bigger percentage this year as overall sales were down; fewer cars were sold, but more of those that were sold were EVs.

But the big EV push is just beginning, and as of right now, in Europe Renault is pushing hardest.

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The Internal Combustion Engine Apocalypse Is On The European Horizon

December 26, 2020e-208, Electric Cars, ID.3, Model 3, Model Y, News, Reviews and Comment, Peugeot, Renault, Tesla, Volkswagen, ZOERepost

Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas wrote in a note to clients on Friday that global EV sales will grow 50% or more next year, while sales of internal combustion engine vehicles are expected to grow 2% to 5%. He also predicted that global EV penetration will rise from 4% to 31% by 2030.

Those predictions may or may not come true, but one thing is certain and that is 2021 is shaping up to be a critical year for EV adoption. Mercedes-Benz just announced its Tuscaloosa plant will build large, electric SUVs starting from 2022 as part of what it calls its electric-vehicle “fireworks display”. Aiming to take the lead in premium EVs from Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA), Mercedes-Benz announced plans to deliver eight new all-electric models starting from early 2022.

But near-term, Europe remains the most fertile EV ground. Stricter emission regulations and government subsidies that make these vehicles much more affordable are speeding up the de-adoption of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Here are six electric vehicles that could bring on the “ICEpocalypse” to European roads.

Volkswagen’s ID.3 And ID.4

Volkswagen’s (Pink: VWAGY) ID3 was the top-selling EV in Europe only one month after being launched. But Europe has been shifting toward larger vehicles, so the ID.4 should grow in popularity quickly and, with its highly competitive price considering the range and specs, it should give the ID.3 a run for its money.

Renault ZOE

ZOE (Pink: RNLSY) has been the top-selling electric vehicle on the continent in most of the last decade. As it continues to improve and range increases, the ZOE should replace the Clio, which sold 230,000 units in Europe during the first 10 months of the year. Although the ZOE, which was the top-selling EV in Europe until the ID3 came along and took its throne in October, was at 73,403 units, it’s only a matter of time before it reaches 100,000 in European sales per year. But it needs to fend off the competition and grow a backbone.

Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y

Tesla’s Model 3 is the top selling EV in the world. In Europe, it is second on the top-selling list. It’s not exactly on track to beat 100,000 sales in 2020, but Tesla is determined to win over Europe considering its ambitious developments at its upcoming Berlin factory. However, it has been ordered again to suspend its preparations due to a successful court injunction by environmentalists. This time round, Tesla was stopped by snakes and lizards. But its Model Y will arrive to Europe eventually and it is probably going to sell considerably better than the Model 3, due to its features and an overall preference for its class of vehicle.

Peugeot e-208

Peugeot’s (Pink: PUGOY) 208 was the 7th best-selling vehicles in the first 10 months of the year. So, while the e-208 had only about 25,000 sales in that time period, it could gradually rise up the rankings as tech improves, range increases, and cost drops in the coming year. It is considered by many as one of the best European EV offerings on the market, a testament to Peugeot’s upswing.

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Renault Zoe Is Europe’s Best-Selling EV With More Than 84,000 Units Delivered Year-to-Date

December 23, 2020Electric Cars, News, Reviews and Comment, Renault, Sales, ZOERepost

The Renault Zoe has managed to beat every other electric model in the market so far and is the best-selling EV in Europe year-to-date.

According to the numbers posted by the French automaker, the zero-emission supermini accounted for over 84,000 units from January to November 2020, almost twice as many compared to the same period of last year.

The Zoe was also the best-selling electric passenger vehicle in Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal. Ever since production started back in 2012, Renault has managed to shift more than 268,000 units of the model in Europe.

Almost one third of the electric vans sold in the Old Continent year-to-date was a Kangoo Z.E., so Renault also holds the crown for the best-selling electric light commercial vehicle (LCV), with 8,498 units. 57,595 units have been sold since the Kangoo Z.E. was launched in Europe 10 years ago.

In addition to the Zoe and Kangoo Z.E., Renault’s zero-emission portfolio also includes the tiny Twizy and the Master Z.E. van with a payload of up to 3.5 tons (7,716 lbs).

In other Renault related news, the automaker wants to reinvent the compact hatchback with the introduction of a new vehicle next year, which was previewed by the Megane eVision Concept and will rival the likes of the Volkswagen ID.3.

Based on the CMF-EV platform, shared with the Nissan Ariya, the concept uses an electric motor that generates 217 HP and 221 lb-ft (300 Nm) of torque. It’s powered by a 60 kWh battery that supports fast charging of up to 130 kW and can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in less than 8 seconds from a standstill.

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Scottish firm drives away with UK’s first Renault Zoe electric van

December 12, 2020Electric Cars, News, Reviews and Comment, Renault, Sales, ZOERepost

A SCOTTISH family firm is leading the way on low-emission vehicles after taking delivery of the UK’s first Renault Zoe electric van.

Staff at Stirling-based duct cleaning specialists Perfect Service Solutions will use the van to travel around Scotland and Northern England meeting clients and carrying out site visits.

The new Renault Zoe, launched in July, is the third electric vehicle in the company’s fleet and was chosen for its range of up to 245 miles.

The move is the latest environmentally friendly drive by Managing Director Simone Hart Sibbald and her team who have been switching their fleet to hybrid and electric for a number of years, with plans to have an entire fleet of electric vehicles by 2026.

Ms Hart Sibbald said: “The new Renault Zoe van is an important investment which forms part of our overall sustainability strategy.

“We are determined to lead the way for our industry in cutting carbon emissions and ensuring we are as environmentally friendly as possible.

“The UK Government plans to ban the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2030 but we want to be ahead of the curve so it’s our intention that all our vehicles will be electric by 2026.

“We’re pleased to be the first company in the UK to drive the new Renault Zoe electric van which is the perfect fleet vehicle for our Field Service Teams.

“It’s amazing to own the first one in the country which was so new it wasn’t even registered on the DVLA’s database of vehicles when it first arrived in Scotland.”

The van, which can be charged from a high-voltage rapid charger in 70 minutes, will be used by Service Manager James McMurdo for managing field teams, meeting clients and for site visits.

Perfect Service Solutions Relationships & Service Director Rod Leach said: “Our first two electric vehicles had a maximum range of 130 miles which wasn’t really viable for us as our service teams operate throughout the UK.

“The new Renault Zoe van has an industry-leading range of up to 245 miles from a single charge which is much better.”

The firm has also improved its green credentials with a recent move from paper to a new app which automates the records and evidence clients require to comply with insurance and duct cleaning legislation.

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Hove teenager on mission to get young people driving electric vehicles

December 4, 2020Electric Cars, Energy and Climate Change, News, Reviews and Comment, Renault, Sales, ZOERepost

A TEENAGER is on a mission to get as many other young drivers using electric vehicles as possible.

Harrison Hughes from Hove is so passionate about electric cars that he saved up to buy a second-hand one before he had even passed his driving test.

The 17-year-old said: “For years I’ve been fascinated that you can drive cars powered by electricity. I got my first job in a supermarket and saved all the money I could to buy a second-hand Renault Zoe.

“Even my driving instructor’s car was electric. I’ve no plans to ever drive a petrol or diesel vehicle.”

Harrison has been following the uptake of electric vehicles from a young age and believes they will become increasingly popular.

However he said cost is a key barrier and insurance prices are still too expensive for many young drivers.

The business student said: “Sadly the insurance prices and car prices haven’t changed much and most people get into an internal combustion engine. This is a step backwards and not where we want to be going.

“My car was just under £5,000, which definitely is not cheap but I’m very passionate about it.

“Obviously not having to pay petrol costs is a huge saving and you don’t even have to pay much in terms of maintenance.

“It costs me 50p to charge my car up overnight.”

Harrison has been sharing his experience of driving an electric vehicle through videos on his Twitter page. He receives a lot of questions about charging points and how much energy is needed for various distances.

Harrison said: “A lot of people who are wrongly informed about electric vehicles think you need to buy a new battery every year for example, or that you can’t drive them through a car wash.

“My battery is six years old and its state of health is still 99 per cent, and the car has done 40,000 miles. It just shows how amazing they are and how long they will last.

“Mine is a nippy city car but there are some which will do 400 miles on one charge.”

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