Category Archives: ZOE Z.E. 40

Renault Celebrates 200,000 Electric Vehicle Sales Across Europe

March 20, 2019Electric Cars, News, Reviews and Comment, Renault, ZOE, ZOE Z.E. 40Repost

Renault has sold 200,000 electric vehicles in Europe since its Z.E. range was launched in 2011
In France, the fourth biggest global market, Renault has registered 100,000 electric vehicles
Renault is number one in electric vehicle sales in Europe for the fourth consecutive year
ZOE and Kangoo Z.E. remain the flagship models in the group’s electric offensive

Renault has topped the 200,000 mark for sales of electric vehicles in Europe. At the same time, it has crossed a symbolic milestone in France with 100,000 vehicles registered. This double achievement underlines Renault’s position as leader in the European electric vehicle market, with steady growth in sales.

Almost one electric vehicle in every three sold in Europe is a Renault

A pioneer in electric vehicles with a range launched in 2011, Renault continues to lead the European electric vehicle market for the fourth consecutive year. Almost one electric vehicle in every three on European roads is a Renault. In 2018, Renault sales of electric vehicles in Europe surged by 36%, accelerating strongly in the second half-year to + 62%. In France, Renault holds a 56.8% share of the electric vehicle market, in both passenger cars and LCVs.

“Today, we are proud to say that over 200,000 customers in Europe have chosen Renault to make electric driving part of their everyday lives! And of course this is just a step on a far longer journey. Our clearly stated aim for the past ten years has been to make electric mobility available to everybody. Groupe Renault’s ambition is for electric vehicles to account for 10% of sales by 2022. To achieve this, it will build on the eight electric vehicles that will make up the range by this date,” says Gilles Normand, Senior Vice President, Electric Vehicles, Group Renault.

Electric car with A.I. to undertake 745 mile Australian ‘road trip’

February 24, 2019Autonomous Driving, Electric Cars, News, Reviews and Comment, Renault, ZOE, ZOE Z.E. 40Repost

An electric vehicle with artificial intelligence (AI) sensors and computers is set to embark on a 1,200 kilometer (745 mile), three-month journey in Queensland, Australia.

The zero-emissions Renault ZOE will be used to map roads in the state, which is in the northeast of the country. Researchers from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), which is based in Brisbane, will man the car.

“As researchers drive the car across Queensland, onboard sensors will build a virtual map to help refine AI-equipped vehicles to drive safely on our roads,” Mark Bailey, Queensland’s minister for Transport and Main Roads, said in a statement Wednesday.

Bailey added that while it was “early days”, AI technology and smart road infrastructure had the potential to transform the way people travelled in Queensland and “reduce road trauma.”

The project will look at how the vehicle and its AI system adapts to lane markings, traffic lights and street signage. Additionally, it will look to overcome GPS systems’ limitations “in built-up areas and tunnels for vehicle positioning.”

Michael Milford, from QUT’s Australian Centre for Robotic Vision, said that as the vehicle was driven, AI would “watch and determine if it could perform the same as a human driver in all conditions.”

How to charge electric fleets

February 16, 2019Electric Cars, Fleet, News, Reviews and Comment, Renault, ZOE, ZOE Z.E. 40Repost

With reduced taxes, well-proven technology and expanding infrastructure, it is now becoming more and more convenient to run electric vehicles when compared with running petrol or diesel vehicles

Electric vehicles are already looking cheaper to run for individual drivers compared with petrol or diesel but, when it comes to fuelling a fleet, businesses will still want to arrange preferential rates to make the numbers work at scale.

There are huge savings to be made by drivers who switch to electric vehicles (EVs) from petrol or diesel, according to Ben Fletcher, of Renault UK.

The Renault ZOE hatchback, for example, is 100pc electric, has a WLTP driving range of 186 miles and costs just “2p per mile whereas an equivalent petrol or diesel would typically be around 12p”, says Mr Fletcher, head of electric vehicles in the UK for the French manufacturer.

The amount of electricity it takes to charge an EV costs around a third as much as buying petrol for a normal car
Not only is the cost lower, drivers can also have peace of mind about where their electricity comes from, with far greater control “over who provides their energy, whether it comes from a renewable source and what tariff they are on, than they would do if they fill their cars with petrol or diesel on a forecourt”, he adds.

Both considerations are important for individuals, but when it comes to corporate approaches to transport they take on even greater significance.

Renault’s electric cars, for instance, are mirrored by a range of Renault Pro+ electric vans, demonstrating the opportunities for companies to switch to electric even on multi-tonne light commercial vehicles.

Fleet managers with multiple EVs will see considerable fuel savings and a large reduction of tailpipe emissions. Jon Lawes, managing director of Hitachi Capital UK’s vehicle solutions business, says: “If all of Britain’s vans and heavy good vehicles [HGVs] were to switch to electricity, businesses could save around £14bn a year in fuel costs alone.”

New flagship Renault ZOE S Edition added to range

February 11, 2019Electric Cars, News, Reviews and Comment, Renault, ZOE, ZOE Z.E. 40Repost

Renault has introduced a new flagship S Edition model to its all-electric ZOE line-up, with more equipment and added technology

Renault has updated its all-electric ZOE line-up, adding a new flagship model called the S Edition. Priced from £19,270 (including the government’s £3,500 plug-in car grant), the new trim level replaces the ZOE Signature Nav as the range-topper, adding more standard equipment for a lower price.

The new Renault ZOE S Edition gets a BOSE stereo with DAB radio, a choice of either 16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels, a reversing camera and leather upholstery with lumbar adjustment on the driver’s seat.

Other features include parking sensors, automatic lights, rain-sensing wipers, climate control, a leather steering wheel, electric windows, electrically folding door mirrors and a seven-inch infotainment system with voice-controlled sat-nav.

A choice of two motors are available for the ZOE S Edition; a quick-charge Q90 unit with 86bhp or a more potent R110 model with 106bhp and 225Nm of torque. Both motors have a range of 186 miles under WLTP regulations, and the Q90 model can be charged to 80 percent capacity in 65 minutes using a 43kWh fast charger.

Europcar Mobility Group Adds 85 100% Electric Renault ZOEs to its UK Service

February 8, 2019Electric Cars, News, Reviews and Comment, Renault, ZOE, ZOE Z.E. 40Repost

Europcar Mobility Group orders 85 all-electric Renault ZOEs for its UK car sharing and Deliver & Collect operations
A number of units to be used by E-Car Club to extend its cost-effective, low-emissions car share schemes
Majority of E-Car Club’s new Renault ZOEs to be made available at brand new Solihull locations
Order will also work to significantly lower the carbon footprint of Europcar’s city-based Deliver & Collect service
Ease-of-use, environmental compatibility and real-world range of 186 miles influence repeat order
Renault was the number one electric vehicle manufacturer in 2018, whilst the Renault ZOE is one of Europe’s best-selling electric cars
ZOE available from £18,420 on-the-road (after PiCG)
Over 5,000 Renault ZOEs are included in European car-sharing schemes

The UK’s leading low-emission car sharing club has reaffirmed the suitability of the all-electric Renault ZOE for its growing operation as its parent company, Europcar Mobility Group, orders a further 85 of the award-winning supermini.

E-Car Club – ecarclub.co.uk – has taken a number of units, supporting its expansion across the UK, from East London to St Andrews, Scotland. Through the innovative scheme, E-Car Club provides the public with a low-cost, hassle-free and environmentally friendly alternative to private car ownership and customers can hire a Renault ZOE from only £4.50 per hour, including power and insurance.

The majority of E-Car Club’s newly acquired, 40 kWh Renault ZOEs, will be used for a brand new scheme in North Solihull, which sees the popular EV available to members at nine locations throughout the region’s residential areas.

Local drivers can hire any of the new ZOEs, one of which has been wrapped in a distinctive ‘ECO Jungle’ livery, by simply signing up online. Completely self-service, bookings can be made via the E-Car Club website 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with customers gaining access to a ZOE simply by scanning their membership card against the windscreen. Drivers then unplug the ZOE from the onsite charger to experience all the benefits of all-electric motoring.

The rest of the Renault ZOEs will be used by Europcar to support its Deliver & Collect service in major UK cities. The use of the Renault ZOE works to significantly lower Europcar’s carbon footprint in these highly populated areas as well as reduce its operating costs.

The new order follows Europcar’s successful introduction of 55 Renault ZOEs for its Deliver & Collect logistics fleet in 2016, which at the time was the biggest ever UK order for the best-selling EV.

Europcar opted to extend its fleet of the 100 per cent electric, five-door supermini following feedback from both E-Car Club members and its own drivers. The ZOE has proved to be perfect for both its busy Deliver & Collect role and E-Car Club’s car sharing model, being immensely easy to drive and charge, spacious and boasting a very practical real-world range of up to 186 miles on a single charge. Notably, the reliability of the Renault ZOEs already on fleet also influenced Europcar’s purchasing decision.

Renault announces cargo Zoe

January 26, 2019Electric Cars, News, Reviews and Comment, Renault, ZOE, ZOE Z.E. 40Repost

In connection with the announcement of their German sales figures for 2018, Renault has announced that a Cargo version of the Zoe will be added to their range of electric models this year.

To create more cargo space, Renault remodeled the rear seat area in the vehicle. More details on the cargo version are not yet available, as of yet though. Together with the Kangoo Z.E., Master Z.E. and a cargo version of the Twizy, the French will soon be offering a total of four purely electric delivery vehicles with the addition of the Zoe Cargo.

The Renault Electric Z.E. Range (Image: Renault)

As far as new registrations of electric vehicles by Renault in Germany in 2018 are concerned, there was an increase of 46.9% to a new record of 7,400 new vehicle registrations. According to the German federal motor transport authority KBA, the Renault Zoe recorded 6,360 new registrations in Germany alone. This is also due in no small part to the doubling of Zoe production to 440 units per day. The Kangoo Z.E. was responsible for 758 new registrations. And with the e-transporter, Renault is now even reaching its own limits. According to Renault’s German boss Uwe Hochgeschurtz, the car manufacturer is currently unable to meet the rapidly growing demand for electric delivery vans. This is also due to bottlenecks in battery production. The company hopes to get the problem under control in 2019.

Source: Electrive

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.

Jaguar I-PACE Electric Car (Image: T. Larkum)

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