Category Archives: Renault

News and reviews of Renault electric cars (including plug-in hybrids).

Lease costs for electric vehicles fall in 2018

January 22, 2019BMW, e-Golf, Electric Cars, I-PACE, i3, Jaguar Land Rover, Leaf, News, Reviews and Comment, Nissan, Renault, Sales, Volkswagen, ZOE, ZOE Z.E. 40Repost

Leasing costs of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have fallen throughout 2018 according to data experts at Cap HPI.

The study looked at five of the best-selling models in the UK and discovered that monthly lease costs had fallen by 9.5% on average.

The UK’s best-selling electric car, the Nissan Leaf saw monthly lease values fall by 6.6% between January and November 2018. Monthly lease prices for the Renault Zoe fell by 16% between June and November.

Between in the 12 months up to November 2018, the BMW i3 saw lease prices drop by 9.2%. The Volkswagen e-Golf saw prices drop 14% over the same period.

The Jaguar I-Pace saw the smallest price drop with a fall of only 1.7% since April 2018.

Mark Turnbull, global head of consulting at Cap HPI, said: “Over the next few years the new price of BEVs will come down as more affordable ‘mainstream’ model ranges are introduced by many manufacturers.

“Used buyer perception will continue to improve as battery ranges are extended and charging times are reduced, and electric car technology proves to be robust and reliable. So subject to adequate investment in charging infrastructure, and positive government legislation, I believe their residual values will be stronger.

“A pincer movement of lower new prices and improved RVs will mean less depreciation in pound terms, and cheaper lease rates will speed up the adoption of this technology.”

Demand surges for hybrids and EVs in used car market

November 25, 2018Electric Cars, News, Reviews and Comment, Renault, Sales, ZOE, ZOE Z.E. 40Repost

Consumer appetite for alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFV) is growing fast in the used car market.

Over the last three months the percentage of fuel related searches on Auto Trader attributed to AFVs almost doubled, increasing from 4% to 7%.

And in July, the UK’s fastest selling used car was a Renault Zoe; a first for a fully electric vehicle.

Renault ZOE Z.E. 40 Example Colours (Image: Renault) — Renault ZOE Z.E. 40 (Image: Renault)

“However, whilst AFVs undoubtedly represent an exciting opportunity for retailers, significant growth may be hampered by a lack of availability,” said Auto Trader director Ian Plummer.

In terms of stock to search ratio, each AFV car advertised on Auto Trader receives an average of four times as many searches than the average petrol car. Purely electric vehicles (EV) receive nearly nine times as many.

Plummer said the next generation of EVs will be in high demand throughout Europe.

“And with some manufacturers questioning the ROI in supplying post-Brexit UK with the much anticipated second generation EVs which will be in high demand throughout their other European markets too, demand may outstrip supply in both the new and used markets,” he said.

The biggest challenge to the government’s road to zero ambitions may no longer be the traditionally perceived barriers to entry, such as cost and infrastructure, but rather a matter of long-term supply and demand” said Ian Plummer, Auto Trader Director.

Renault EVs drive forward the Eden project’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions

November 5, 2018Electric Cars, Electric Vans, Kangoo Z.E., News, Reviews and Comment, Renault, Renault, ZOE, ZOE Z.E. 40Repost

Renault electric vehicles will continue to play a major role in the day-to-day running of the Eden Project and its drive to educate its millions of visitors on the environmental benefits of EVs after the world-famous attraction took delivery of a new fleet of 100 per cent electric ZOE and Kangoo Z.E models

Comprising of three Renault ZOE hatchbacks and 14 Renault Kangoo Z.E. in Van and Maxi Crew Van Cab specifications, the vehicles replace the Eden Project’s previous Renault EV fleet. The latest vehicles complement Eden’s existing Renault Twizys. The quadricycles’ compact dimensions make them ideal for use across the entire Eden site – even in the narrow pathways through the tranquil, climate-controlled Biomes.

The usability and high visibility of its previous Renault EVs has allowed the Eden Project to lead by example when it comes to raising awareness of the benefits of electric vehicles in reducing carbon emissions. Compared to equivalent diesel and petrol vehicles, its original Renault EV fleet saved nearly 17 tonnes of CO2 since its inception in 2016, clocking up nearly 94,000 miles in and around its award-winning facility.

The mix of ZOE and Kangoo Z.E. will fulfil a variety of roles across the Eden Project, being used by its maintenance, horticulture, security, live programming and catering teams. A number of the vehicles will also be assigned to help with the provision of onsite medical support and transporting less able-bodied visitors around the site.

With zero tailpipe emissions and being near silent in use, the Renault EVs have little impact on the tranquillity and striking landscape of the Eden Project. Notably, during the last two years the lack of noise has allowed the busy Eden Live Team to work round the clock without affecting the visitor experience, while the fleet has also chauffeured presenters and celebrities to help facilitate the wide variety of filming that the renowned Cornish venue hosts every year.

Renault’s Electric ZOE Wins CarWow Eco Award

October 30, 2018Electric Cars, News, Reviews and Comment, Renault, ZOE, ZOE Z.E. 40Repost

Renault ZOE wins carwow Eco Award at carwow’s annual award ceremony, held today in London
All-electric ZOE is the flagship of Renault’s diverse Z.E. electric vehicle range
ZOE is priced from £17,420 on the road, after Plug-in Car Grant and excluding battery hire

Renault’s all-electric ZOE has won the carwow Car of the Year Eco Award in a presentation that took place today at The Shard in Southwark, London.

Commenting on the Renault ZOE, carwow presenter Mat Watson said:

“The carwow Eco Award goes to a pure electric car – the Renault ZOE which is affordable, gives decent range and is now nippier thanks to a new uprated motor. And if you charge it from renewable sources it’s truly zero emission.”

Vincent Tourette, Managing Director of Renault UK, said:

“The ZOE is at the forefront of electric driving across the UK and the car showcases Renault’s leadership in electric technology. It’s highly equipped and the latest R110 motor makes the ZOE even more responsive to drive. We thank carwow for presenting us with the carwow Eco Award today.”

The ZOE is available with an easy choice of two motors and two trims. In March this year the new R110 motor went on sale, giving more power but with the same range as the electric motor it replaced. The R110 motor is two seconds faster when accelerating from 50mph to 75mph compared to the previous motor, with a real-world range of 186 miles.

ZOE is also available with the Q90 motor, which includes a rapid charge function. With a 43kW connection a ZOE equipped with the Q90 motor will charge from zero to 80 per cent in one hour. While the R110 motor is well suited to driving around town, the Q90, with its rapid charging functionality, is perhaps better suited to driving longer distances.

Both motors are available on the Dynamique Nav and the Signature Nav trims. ZOE Dynamique Nav has, in addition to its comprehensive list of standard equipment, rear parking sensors, cruise control and Renault’s 7-inch R-Link infotainment system.

Renault’s R-Link infotainment system utilises Android Auto to link the driver or passenger’s smartphone to the ZOE and mirrors the phone display onto the vehicle’s seven-inch colour touchscreen to enable easy use of the smartphone’s functionality in the car.

Signature Nav offers premium leather upholstery, a BOSE® audio system, heated front seats, electrically folding door mirrors and a rear parking camera.

ZOE continues to be available to purchase in two ways. First, under a battery hire scheme, where ZOE pricing starts at £17,420 (OTR) after the Government Plug-in Car Grant, with battery leasing from £59 per month. In addition, Renault offers retail customers who purchase a ZOE, a free 7kW wall box charger fully-installed at their home to ensure the best possible electric experience.

Source: Renault Press

Renault Cements Zoe’s Bestseller Status With “Iconic” Special Edition

October 23, 2018Electric Cars, News, Reviews and Comment, Renault, ZOE, ZOE Z.E. 40Repost

It’s no secret that the Renault Zoe is Europe’s best-selling electric vehicle, with more than 110,000 units sold since launching at the end of 2012.

To celebrate that sales milestone, Renault has given its electric supermini a special edition version fittingly called “Iconic.” Unveiled at the Paris Auto Show, the Zoe Iconic comes with exclusive exterior and interior features.

On the outside, the special edition EV sports a Highland Grey paintwork and, 17-inch aluminum wheels, and Iconic badges on the front fenders. Inside, the Zoe Iconic gains a grey-colored upholstery, “Iconic” sill plates, as well as a double bottom accessory for the luggage compartment that frees up loading space by storing the cables.

The Renault Zoe Iconic is available both with the new R110 electric motor or the older Q90 unit (a version of the R90 equipped for fast charging). The former produces 80 kW (109 PS/108 hp) and 225 Nm (166 lb-ft) of torque, while the latter makes 68 kW (92 PS/91 hp) and an identical peak torque.

The added power helps the Zoe equipped with the R110 motor cover the 80-120 km/h (50-70 mph) sprint two seconds faster than with the smaller unit. Conversely, the 0 to 100 km/h acceleration takes 11.6 seconds, and top speed is limited at 135 km/h (84 mph).

Renault unveils new ‘affordable’ K-ZE all-electric crossover

October 20, 2018Electric Cars, K-ZE, News, Reviews and Comment, RenaultRepost

Ahead of the Paris Motor Show today, Renault has unveiled a new ‘affordable’ all-electric crossover: the Renault K-ZE.

Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO of Groupe Renault, presented the new vehicle:

“Groupe Renault was a pioneer and is the European leader in electric vehicles. We are introducing Renault K-ZE, an affordable, urban, SUV-inspired electric model combining the best of Groupe Renault: our leadership in EV, our expertise in affordable vehicles and in forging strong partnerships”,

The French automaker announced the vehicle as being “affordable”, but didn’t release any pricing information.

More information will be available when the vehicle is released next year.

They first plan to make it available in China and Europe will follow a year later.

The only spec that they confirmed is the range, which they claim is 250 km (155 miles), but they used the NEDC cycle for some reason:

“A pioneer and leader in 100% electric mobility, Groupe Renault unveiled showcar Renault K-ZE, a new global A-segment, SUV-inspired electric vehicle, capable of 250km NEDC – the best autonomy in its segment.”

We expect the real world range to be close to 190 km (118 miles).

Motorsport history as Renault ZOE makes debut

October 18, 2018Electric Cars, News, Reviews and Comment, Renault, ZOE, ZOE Z.E. 40Repost

SCOTTISH motorsport history was made at Kames Motorsport Complex, Muirkirk on Sunday, September 23 during the Albar Trophy Rally.

Welshman Cameron Davies took to the track in his Renault ZOE, the first electric car to compete in a motorsport competition in Scotland.

A respectable finish followed for Davies who spent most of the day explaining the characteristics of the car to competitors and spectators alike.

The rally season at Kames ended in a convincing win for Trabboch’s Colin Gemmell and co-driver Derek Keir from Ayr in their 2.5 litre Mk2 Ford Escort.

Graham Bruce, from Sundrum and Paul Toner were runners-up in a similar car with another East Ayrshire Car Club crew David McLeod and Eamonn Boyle third in a hard-worked Talbot Sunbeam.

Their was a photo finish in the junior section as Oliver Hunter and Tom Hynd (Peugeot 107) beat Lewis Haining and George Myatt (Skoda Citigo) by one second.

Groupe Renault is launching “Advanced Battery Storage”

October 12, 2018Electric Cars, Energy and Climate Change, Energy Storage, News, Reviews and Comment, RenaultRepost

Groupe Renault is launching “Advanced Battery Storage”, the biggest energy stationary storage system from electric vehicle (EV) batteries in Europe

Groupe Renault is announcing the launch of its “Advanced Battery Storage” program, which aims to build the biggest energy stationary storage system using EV batteries ever designed in Europe by 2020 (power: 70 MW / energy: 60MWh).
This system, installed on several sites in France and Germany, will facilitate the integration of renewable energies into electric grids.
“Advanced Battery Storage” is part of Groupe Renault’s strategy to develop a smart electric ecosystem in favor of the energy transition.

Groupe Renault, the European leader in electric mobility, announced today the launch of Advanced Battery Storage, a stationary storage system for energy developed exclusively from EV batteries.

It will have a storage capacity of at least 60 MWh, making it the biggest system of its kind ever built in Europe. The first facilities will be developed in early 2019 on three sites in France and Germany: at the Renault plants in Douai and Cléon and at a former coal-fired plant in North Rhine-Westphalia. The storage capacity will then be gradually expanded over time to contain the energy of 2,000 EV batteries. At this phase, the system will have reached – or more likely, exceed – the 60 MWh, equivalent to the daily consumption of a city of 5,000 households.

The purpose of this system is to manage the difference between electricity consumption and production at a given time, in order to increase the proportion of renewable sources in the energy mix. This means maintaining the balance between offer and demand on the electricity grid by integrating different energy sources with fluctuating production capacities. The slightest gap between consumption and production sets off disturbances that can compromise the stability of the local frequency (50 Hz). “Our stationary storage solution aims to offset these differences: it delivers its reserves to a point of imbalance in the grid at a given time to reduce the effects,” said Nicolas Schottey, Director of the Groupe Renault New Business Energy program. By helping to maintain the balance of the grid, the stationary storage system will boost the economic attractiveness of low-carbon energies.

This stationary storage system is built using EV batteries compiled in containers. The system uses second-life batteries, as well as new batteries stored for future use in standard replacement during after-sales operations.

“This unique assembly will give Advanced Battery Storage the capacity to generate or absorb, instantaneously the 70MW power. This high power combined with high capacity of our solution will allow to react efficiently to all major grid solicitations”, explains Nicolas Schottey.

Demand for used electric vehicles continues to rise

October 11, 2018BMW, Electric Cars, i3, i3 94Ah, Model S, Model X, News, Reviews and Comment, Renault, Sales, Tesla, ZOE, ZOE Z.E. 40Repost

Strong demand for electric vehicles (EVs) saw values rise 0.9% in September, while average used values remained static, says Cap HPI.

Particular strength has been seen for pure battery electric cars with values increasing for as diverse models like the Renault Zoe, BMW i3 and Tesla Models S and X.

At three years and 60,000 miles, average used values didn’t move in September, while newer cars have increased by a negligible 0.1% at the six month and one-year points. Older cars have dropped slightly, but the 0.3% decrease at five-years-old is again negligible.

Groupe Renault unveils France’s first Smart Island on Belle-Île-En-Mer

October 9, 2018Electric Cars, Electric Vans, Energy and Climate Change, Kangoo Z.E., News, Reviews and Comment, Renault, Renault, ZOE, ZOE Z.E. 40Repost

Groupe Renault, Morbihan Energie, Les Cars Bleus and Enedis have joined forces to create FlexMob’île, an innovative programme aimed at accompanying the energy transition on the French island of Belle-Île-en-Mer.
This smart electric ecosystem is founded on three core activities, namely the sharing of electric vehicles, the stationary storage of solar energy and smart charging.
FlexMob’île sees Groupe Renault continue to develop the principle of smart islands, the first of which was Portugal’s Porto Santo.

Belle-Île-en-Mer (France), September 21, 2018 – In association with its partners the Belle-Île-en-Mer Community of Communes, Morbihan Energies, Les Cars Bleus and Enedis, Groupe Renault – a major player in the world of electric ecosystems – is delighted to unveil a brand new joint project known as FlexMob’île. The aim of this smart electric ecosystem is to facilitate the energy transition on the French island of Belle-Île-en-Mer which lies off the coast of southern Brittany. This initiative follows in the footsteps of the innovative Smart Fossil Free Island programme which has been operational since last February on the Portuguese island of Porto Santo in the Madeira archipelago.

For the next 24 months, Groupe Renault and its public and private partners will be developing a smart electric ecosystem that has been conceived to reduce the island’s carbon footprint and increase its energy independence.

“We are thrilled to be collaborating with the Belle-Île-en-Mer Community of Communes, Morbihan Energie, Les Cars Bleus and Enedis on this project which is unprecedented in France. Our goal is the same as with Porto Santo. That is to say the implementation of global solutions that meet local needs using both tried-and-tested and more recent technologies. It will be possible to carry over the Belle-Île-en-Mer system not just to other islands but also to cities and suburban areas,” says Gilles Normand, SVP, Group Electric Vehicle Division.