A Renault Sport version of the ZOE electric hatch is being eyed up as an indirect replacement for the Clio RS, Auto Express can reveal.

Bosses at the firm told us a successor to the hot Clio is no longer a viable business proposition, and that a hot ZOE is currently the favoured option within the company to plug the gap.

Renault previously flirted with the idea of a performance-based EV back in 2017 when it showed the ZOE e-sport concept. The running prototype featured technology learned from the French firm’s efforts in Formula E; a twin-motor set-up delivered 454bhp and a 0-62mph time of 3.2 seconds, but the concept was never intended to be put into production.

However, Ali Kasai, Renault’s executive vice-president of product planning, told us that future Renault Sport models have to be in keeping with the brand’s electrification strategy.

“We need to be in line with the current trends; we have to invent the future sporty cars. This is the role of Renault Sport, to be innovative,” Kasai said. “ZOE, that concept, it is exactly what we were thinking and we still think. That car was appreciated by many people, they loved it, they want to buy it from the feedback we get.”

The latest ZOE is powered by a 52kWh battery that drives a 132bhp electric motor on the front axle. A range of up to 245 miles is claimed. There are various ways in which Renault Sport could develop a more performance-focused model; the first would be to sacrifice some of the car’s range while adding a more powerful electric motor. Another avenue would be to fit an additional motor on the ZOE’s rear axle.

Read more: Auto Express

Renault has been continuously updating the electric Zoe ever since it launched in the European market in 2012, but this last iteration is by far the biggest and more impressive change in the model’s successful career.

The biggest highlight is of course the adoption of a new larger 52 kWh battery pack, which enables the Zoe to travel up to 245 miles (345 km) on a full charge, according to the WLTP standards. Also new is the support of 50kW fast charging, which can replenish around 90 miles (145 km) of range in 30 minutes.

The new battery is accompanied by the more powerful R135 electric motor as well, producing 133 HP (135 PS) and 181lb-ft (245 Nm) of torque and giving the Zoe more poke than ever; Renault claims a 0-62mph (100km/h) in 10 seconds and a top speed of 87 mph (140km/h).

The range of the updated Zoe includes a base R110 version that’s powered by a 108 HP motor, known from the previous model.

The interior of the small EV is now made from better-quality materials and features a new dashboard design that hosts a large 9.3-inch infotainment system and a customisable 10-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless phone charging, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well as an upholstery made from recycled materials are also present.

Read more: Carscoops

Early adopter of electric power has been refined rather than reinvented

What is it?

Like many French models, Zoe was at the cutting edge of fashion when she burst onto the scene in 2012. There weren’t many similar models doing what she did, and she quickly gained popularity with her convivial, easy-going nature and quietly subtle style.

But times change and, in the past few years, plenty of younger models have caught onto the trend Zoe helped to start – and while those models brought attention to her and increased her popularity, Zoe was starting to risk looking a little behind the times.

Renault has already given Zoe a few nips and tucks, but has now treated her to a full makeover, and she’s emerged revitalised, refreshed and ready to prove that she still has what it takes against some trendy young upstarts.

We’ll end the tortured fashion/car analogy there, in order to focus on the changes Renault has made to what it calls the third-generation of its Zoe electric hatch, which is built on a reworked version of the same basic platform as the original. The exterior design has been refreshed, with new lines, a bigger, bolder Renault logo (which hides the charging ports), a new front bumper and new standard LED lights. The appearance is a little more stylish, and closely tied to the recently launched Clio.

More has changed inside the car, with a refreshed interior that feels a big step forward from the previous model. There’s a 10in digital instrument display as standard, customisable lighting and a revamped dashboard centred on an infotainment touchscreen (up to 9.3in in size) featuring the latest version of Renault’s Easy Link system. The perceived quality is an improvement, and the mix of physical buttons and the touchscreen makes the car pleasingly easy to operate.

Renault claims the soundproofing has also been substantially improved, and while some road noise did permeate at high speeds, the car does offer the quiet, engine-noise-free cruising many EV buyers enjoy.

More significant is the work Renault has done under the skin, with an upgraded battery and a new motor giving the Zoe more power and more range. The battery is 52kWh, compared with the previous Zoe’s 41kWh version, giving a range of up to 245 miles on the WLTP test cycle – which the firm claims is 32% more than the previous model.

Read more: Autocar

• Scottish Fire & Rescue Service orders 45 Renault ZOEs
• Renault ZOE will be used to help spread important safety messages across Scotland
• Renault ZOE the first zero-emissions-in-use vehicle to be added to the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service fleet
• Order represents the beginning of the organisation’s drive to have an all-electric fleet

The all-electric Renault ZOE will be helping to save lives and some of the UK’s most beautiful scenery after the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service (SFRS) ordered 45 to be used throughout Scotland in the support of its frontline operations.

SFRS, the world’s fourth largest fire and rescue service, will use the zero-emissions-in-use Renault ZOEs as general pool vehicles, with each covering at least 10,000 miles a year. They will be used by uniformed staff, office employees and management to interact with the public in non-emergency situations, which span free home safety visits to community events, and will be spread across the whole of Scotland, including all major cities and as far as Orkney and the Shetland Islands.

Significantly, the new ZOEs are SFRS’s first pure electric vehicles and represent the beginning of a significant shift in how it will evolve its fleet of nearly 1,800 vehicles. The Renault ZOE proves that electric vehicles are now a viable business proposition, combined with the Scottish Government’s sizeable investment in charging infrastructure, SFRS is committed to moving to an entirely electric fleet.

The Renault ZOEs replace traditionally fueled hatchbacks and now account for nearly a quarter of SFRS’s pool car fleet. They will be based at strategic station locations throughout the country, with SFRS installing up to six charging points at each site. Aided by the Renault ZOE’s flexible charging options, additional charging will also be carried out via ChargePlace Scotland – the country’s government-supported public EV charging network.

SFRS chose the Renault ZOE due to its ‘real-world’ range of 186 miles, comprehensive standard specification, ease-of-use and value all contributing to the organisation’s decision.

Scott Roberts, Fleet Manager, Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, said: “The best way to deal with an emergency is to prevent it from happening, and the ZOEs will play a vital role in how we engage with communities and deliver our crucial safety messages. The Renault ZOE’s range and the vastly improved charging infrastructure means we have been able to spread them far and wide, and there’s not a nook or cranny of Scotland that one of our ZOEs isn’t able to cover.

“Introducing them has been a major step in our future direction and while we have previously adopted hybrid technology with a handful of vehicles, they felt more like a box ticking exercise and never really worked on a practical or financial basis. With the ZOE, we can see that having environmentally-compatible electric vehicles is a viable business model, allowing us to reduce our carbon footprint, preserve the country we are so passionate about and provide our team with a vehicle that is perfect for their requirements.”

Source: Renault

The new Renault ZOE is here, and I got a chance to test drive it this weekend in Sardinia, Italy.

If you thought you knew the ZOE then think again, because Renault has upgraded the New ZOE with better range, power, and charging options, plus a number of other changes. Check it all out below.

Like the previous ZOE, but better

The previous version of the Renault ZOE, known as the ZOE Z.E. 40, was released in 2016. That car has already sold like hot cakes in Europe, with over 250,000 ZOEs sold. The car’s popularity grew quickly, with many years showing around 50% growth in sales YoY.

The ZOE eventually became the highest-selling electric car in many markets before the introduction of the Model 3 earlier this year. And even after the Model 3 was introduced, the ZOE held on to an impressive amount of market share.

But now three years later, the ZOE is beginning to show its age. Fortunately though, Renault is back to give us the ZOE updates we’ve wanted and has done so building on its 10 years of experience in the electric car market.

The New ZOE comes with a number of updates and upgrades, yet has managed to maintain the same price. In most markets, the car costs around €23,000 without the battery (which customers can pay a monthly rate towards), or around €30,000 with the battery, though the price varies a bit according to the country.

Major updates to the New ZOE include a more powerful motor, increased range, and new CCS charging.

Read more: Electrek

• Restyled exterior with a new dynamic look and new colours
• Up to 245 miles WLTP – Best driving range in its segment from new 52 kWh battery
• Completely redesigned and improved interior – available with a 9.3-inch portrait style multimedia screen
• Customisable 10-inch TFT instrument cluster as standard
• New, more powerful R135 100 kW motor alongside R110 80 kW motor
• Faster charging with option of 50 kWh DC capability, able to recover 90 miles of range per 30 mins of charging
• Standard 22 kWh AC charging capability through Chameleon Charger™
• 100 per cent recycled seat trim on Iconic version
• Full LED headlamps standard across the range
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard
• Wireless smartphone charging as standard on Iconic and GT Line
• Real time charging information using EASY CONNECT App
• New regenerative braking B Mode that allows single pedal driving
• Prices start from £18,670* OTR including the PiCG – most affordable in its segment
• Available as Full Purchase from £25,670 OTR including the PiCG
• Free fully-installed (7kWh) fast charging home wallbox for best user experience
• Europe’s best-selling electric car, ZOE has sold over 10,000 in the UK since launch
• More than 150,000 ZOEs sold across Europe – ZOE accounts for nearly one in five electric cars sold in Europe.
• Available to order from mid-September
• Customer deliveries from January 2020

The new all-electric Renault ZOE will be available to order from mid-September, with prices starting at just £18,670* and customer deliveries from January 2020. The new generation ZOE features increased power and range, a host of technological improvements, an overhauled interior and distinctive new exterior looks. The launch of the third generation of Renault’s flagship vehicle in its 100% electric range is a major milestone in Renault’s commitment to large scale electric vehicle development. Seven years after the release of its best-selling predecessors, New ZOE has evolved in quality and technology to offer superior features while remaining affordable.

Up to 245 miles of range – best in the segment
Under the skin the New ZOE gets a powerful 52 kWh Z.E. 50 battery that delivers a range of up to 245 miles (WLTP) – the best driving range in its segment and an increase of 32 per cent over the previous 41 kWh pack. Despite the increase in range and capacity, the battery has not increased in size physically, meaning no loss of interior space.

Simplified and faster charging
ZOE now also offers fast direct current (DC) charging, in addition to the alternating current charging (AC) options already available at home or on the street. Charging the battery is also made more straightforward by the Renault EASY CONNECT smart services, which allow quick and easy location of charging points.

Located behind the Renault diamond logo charging hatch, the new Combo (CCS) plug is slightly larger than the previous plug and consists of both a European standard socket and a two-pin connector for DC charging. The central location of the socket makes charging even easier, especially on public charging stations which have their own cable.

Thanks to this Combo plug, the New ZOE is able to charge quickly with a direct current (DC) up to 50 kW, simply by inserting the charging cable attached to the terminal into the two-pin connector that’s sited below the type-2 socket. Replenishing the battery in this way can add around 90 miles of range in as little as half an hour.

The standard type-2 cable provided with the car and the Chameleon Charger™ are used for everyday AC charging use, such as at home with a wallbox, at work, in a car park or on public roads using anything up to a 22kW supply. Plugging the ZOE into a public 22kW roadside charger can deliver a useful 78 miles of range in only one hour.

Free home wallbox charger
When using a 7kW wallbox, supplied as standard to customers to charge easily at home, the New ZOE can charge from 0 to 100 per cent in nine hours and 25 minutes. This ensures that a complete recharge can comfortably be achieved overnight. Around 190 miles of range can be achieved in just eight hours. Users charging their vehicle at home can also benefit from the programming options, adjusting their recharge to correspond with tariff fluctuations from their electricity supplier.

The choice of two powertrains
With the addition of a powerful new R135 100 kW motor option, as well as an entry-level R110 80 kW motor and the inclusion of a new B mode urban driving setting, the New ZOE is even more at home on both the open road and in city. The addition of two motors in line with Renault’s philosophy of sustainable mobility for all, gives customers greater choice and the option to choose a more affordable EV powertrain or combine with increased power.

The new R135 100 kW motor on Iconic and GT Line models delivers the equivalent of 135 PS and improved torque for faster acceleration and greater responsiveness. Engineers have used the increased-capacity battery of New ZOE (Z.E.50) to get the most out of the Renault developed motor, which packs a healthy 245 Nm from zero rpm and drives through a single speed gearbox, helping the ZOE sprint from 0 to 62mph in less than 10 seconds and onto a top speed of 87mph. Highlighting its real world pace, the 100 kW model can accelerate from 50 to 75 mph in just 7.1 seconds, which is 2.2 seconds quicker than the 80 kW 110 PS R110 engine, which is carried over unchanged.

New B mode driving function
Both motors now come equipped with the new “B mode” driving function, which intensifies the regenerative braking effect to essentially allow the driver one pedal operation of the car. When B mode is activated, the car decelerates significantly faster as soon as the driver releases the accelerator pedal. B mode makes driving easier, especially in the city or in slow moving traffic.

Its integration is accompanied by a new braking system that offers improved feel through the pedal. As for D mode, it remains particularly useful when the car is moving at a constant speed, on the open road or motorway for example.

The driver can switch on demand between B and D modes with a simple push on the new e-shifter. This replaces the old car’s mechanical lever with an electronic switch. Simple pressure on the knob is enough to send instructions to the motor, while selected driving mode is clearly displayed on the centre console and on the 10-inch driver’s display which is standard across the range.

Exterior
At the front of the New ZOE the redesigned contours of the sculpted bonnet converge into a large aligned diamond. The new shape of the bumper incorporates chrome inserts in the grill and around the fog lights, enhancing the lower section.

Set in the centre of the chrome trimmed grille is the large Renault diamond logo, which now features an eye-catching “holographic” design that gives a 3D effect to the flat surface. The badge also doubles as a charging port, which flips open to reveal both a Type 2 AC plug and the connector for the new optional 50 kW DC (CCS) fast charger.

All ZOE models now get full LED headlamps as standard, which feature chrome inserts and are framed by the trademark C-shaped daytime running lights. Not only do the new lamps give the ZOE a bolder look, they significantly improve vision, with 75 per cent more light than equivalent halogen units.

There’s also a new, wider front bumper design that benefits from side vents designed to improve the flow of air around the front of the car and over the wheels. Also included are new LED fog lights, standard across the range, that contribute to the overall improved lighting system.

At the rear of the ZOE are bolder and bigger new LED lamps that help to create a wider look and now include dynamic indicators that sweep from the centre outwards – the repeater indicator signals integrated in the door mirrors also use LED technology.

Other external changes include a completely revamped range of wheel designs, with three different diameters available – 15-, 16- and 17-inches. Regardless of wheel size, all ZOE models get four-wheel disc braking.

Completing the exterior changes are the addition of three new metallic paint finishes – Celadon Blue, Flame Red and Quartz White with a total of nine colours to choose from.

Completely redesigned interior
The interior of the New ZOE has been completely overhauled with the designers paying attention to the interior quality, finish, comfort and ergonomics. Soft touch plastics and new sustainable trim finishes help boost premium appeal and comfort.

New 10-inch TFT instrument cluster – standard across the range
Ahead of the driver is the new 10-inch TFT instrument cluster, which is standard across the range. This display contains the main driving information including an eco-meter that encourages eco-friendly driving habits. The driver can also customise the lighting and the layout of the different information on-screen and on versions equipped with sat-nav the instrument cluster also relays turn-by-turn instructions for safer, less distracting driving.

The dashboard has been completely redesigned to significantly improve quality. New additions include soft fabric inserts that match those used in the seats, creating a warm and comfortable atmosphere, while LED interior lighting is standard across the range.

100 per cent recycled seat upholstery – a first in the sector
On Iconic versions there is 100 per cent recycled seat upholstery. Using the traditional process of carded yarn manufacturing, which creates a quality material “without melting” or chemical transformation, this fabric is made from safety belt scrap and plastic waste (PET) materials. This innovation is a first for the automotive industry, its sourcing and short-loop manufacture helping to reduce CO² emissions by over 60 per cent compared to more traditional materials.

Infotainment
The centre of the dashboard houses the Renault EASY LINK 9.3-inch portrait touchscreen multimedia system, standard on GT Line and optional on Iconic, with a 7-inch version on the entry level model. This system controls the main functions of the vehicle and can be enhanced with specific operations, such as the real time availability of charging stations. Smartphone connectivity is taken care of by Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Between the driver and passenger is a revised centre console that’s home to a new electronic gear selector, plus the driving mode selector, the chrome switch for which is decorated with the “Z.E.” logo and enables the easy transition between the various driver settings, notably the new B Mode that boosts regenerative braking to encourage single pedal driving.

Standard across the range is a new electronic parking brake, which replaces the traditional handbrake to free twice as much storage in the centre console which now contains the new wireless smartphone charging, standard on Iconic and GT Line models. In the rear, passengers have access to two USB sockets that can be used to charge devices such as mobile phones, tablets and portable games.

Safety and Technology
Renault has engineered the New ZOE with a brand-new electrical infrastructure. More modern, it now allows for the integration of all the sensors and automated functions that are essential for the new driver assistance systems (ADAS). They are designed to better inform the driver, simplify driving and enhance safety.

There is a whole suite of safety systems on the ZOE, including the Active Emergency Braking System (AEBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Auto High/Low beam headlamps (AHL).

Further driving assistance features include the hands-free Easy Park Assist (EPA), front and rear parking sensors, Hill-start Assist and an automatic parking brake.

The ZOE’s infotainment system features the Renault EASY CONNECT set-up, which combines with the new Renault EASY LINK multimedia system and the MY Renault app to offer drivers a range of applications and services designed to accompany them throughout their daily activities.

On a smartphone, the MY Renault application includes a variety of useful services to manage a car remotely, such as a remote check on the battery range and charging status. You can also plan charging during off-peak hours, start or schedule heating or air conditioning to reach the ideal temperature of 21°C for the moment of departure without affecting the range.

Another handy feature is the ability to pre-plan your journey with MY Renault. After entering your destination, the app plots your route, including the most suitable charging points and, accounting for the recharge stops, the overall travel time.

On board, Renault EASY LINK’s connected navigation beams the route to the multimedia screen and includes the location and availability of the nearest charging stations. The map is also enriched with real-time traffic information provided by TomTom, plus new features such as Google Search. The EASY LINK navigation map database is regularly updated, automatically and transparently for the user, via the “Map Auto-Update” function.

The navigation and map can be displayed on the 10-inch instrument cluster ahead of the driver, which also houses the trip computer that provides information on regenerative braking performance and driving efficiency, helping to make the most of the battery’s range. The user can also choose the layout of the display, so that it shows their preferred information.

ZOE: Available to purchase in two ways
New ZOE is still available to buy both as full purchase, with no mileage limit on the battery and an eight year/100,000-mile guarantee, or as a battery lease option, offering a more affordable purchase route with peace of mind and encouraging sustainable mobility for all.

UK specification and pricing
The New ZOE is available in three trim levels: Play, Iconic and GT Line.

New ZOE Play – from £18,670 OTR* (including PiCG)

• R110 80 kW motor
• Full LED headlamps
• Air-conditioning
• 7-inch EASY LINK multimedia screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Full 10-inch TFT instrument cluster
• DAB radio
• Hands Free Key Card
• Cruise control and speed limiter
• Electric front windows
• Automatic wipers and headlamps
• 15-inch wheels
• Free fully-installed (7kWh) fast charging home wallbox (for retail customers)

New ZOE Iconic – from £20,170 OTR* (including PiCG) Specification in addition to Play:

• 7-inch EASY LINK multimedia screen with satellite navigation
• Climate Control
• Inductive smart phone charging
• Electric rear windows
• 100 per cent recycled seat upholstery
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) with lane departure warning, lane keep assist and traffic sign recognition
• Rear parking sensors
• 16-inch alloy wheels

New ZOE GT Line – from £21,620 OTR* (including PiCG) Specification in addition to Iconic:

• R135 100 kW motor
• 3-inch EASY LINK screen
• Front parking sensors with rear parking camera
• GT Line synthetic leather and recycled cloth upholstery
• Blind spot warning
• 16-inch diamond cut alloy wheels

*= plus monthly battery lease

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

TECHINCAL INFORMATION

OWNERSHIP INFORMATION & PRICING

*= plus monthly battery lease

KEY OPTIONS

Renault’s new 52 kWh, 100 kW Zoe was announced in June with the additional 50 kW of DC charging, but we got the rare opportunity to check one out at Renault’s Paris HQ this week. What we saw was an impressive and important vehicle that will fit into many more Europeans’ lives.

Renault departed the US in the late ’80s after it sold its share of AMC to Chrysler. But in Europe, it is the top EV player with its lineup of electric vehicles including Kangoo and Twizy. Its best selling EV, the Zoe, dominated unit sales until the arrival of Tesla’s Model 3 and the 2nd generation model still won in July, even after the 3rd generation model was announced.

I got to drive the 2nd generation Zoe at last year’s FIA electric vehicle camp as part of the Paris Mondial motor show. I came away wanting a bit more, finding its performance and size somewhere between a Fiat 500e and a Nissan Leaf.

Read more: Electrek

The new Renault ZOE is ready to compete with new contenders like the Peugeot e-208 and its Opel/Vauxhall Corsa-e derivatives, as well as some VWs.

Fully Charged was present at the unveiling of the third-generation Renault ZOE Z.E. 50 in France in June, but as it sometimes happens, it took some time to edit and release the episode.

Renault presented several trims of the new ZOE to showcase exterior and interior design. Fully Charged’s Jonny Smith noted it’s familiar to the previous generation, but improved – especially in the front (modified face and LED lights) and inside with new 10-inch digital dashboard display and vertical infotainment touchscreen. It seems also that the materials in the new ZOE are better.

The new ZOE is also a much better EV with a higher battery capacity (52 kWh), more range (up to 390 km/242 miles WLTP), DC charging capability (up to 50 kW), higher power motor (100 kW) and better acceleration.

First test drives and reviews are expected any time now as the new ZOE is scheduled for market launch this Autumn.

Renault ZOE R135 specs (see full description here):

52 kWh lithium-ion battery (air-cooled)
Battery pack: 400 V nominal, 192 cells, 10 modules, 326 kg of weight, 160 Wh/kg
up to 390 km (242 miles) of WLTP range
0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than 10 seconds
80-120 km/h (50 to 75 mph) in 7.1 seconds
top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph)
R135 electric motor: 100 kW of peak power and 245 Nm of peak torque
R110 electric motor (option): 80 kW of peak power and 225 Nm of peak torque
DC fast charging using CCS Combo 2, up to 50 kW
AC charging of up to 22 kW (3-phase)

Read more: INSIDE EVs