Renault is among the few manufacturers who have the capability to put aside sufficient resources to create a ground-up EV (with the help of Nissan), and not merely converting an already existing model. Sure, they’ve done so with the Fluence and Kangoo, but their range of all-electrics does contain two models which were conceived that way from the onset – the Twizy quadricycle and the Clio-sized Zoe.
The latter has not been on sale in Europe for long, and since it’s not exactly one of Renault’s core models, test drives and reviews are few and far between. Now, though, Carbuyer has taken the electric supermini for a spin and they rate it as being a good buy, particularly for those looking for a car of this size, because the only thing which is sacrificed is the predictably limited range (the claimed figure is 100 miles/160 km, but you know how these things are in reality).
The EV’s practicality, space, quality and equipment levels are all taken into consideration, and the final conclusion is that aside from the monthly lease cost for the batteries, slightly higher acquisition price – though that may go down to more acceptable levels, depending on how much your local authorities will give you back in the form of tax credits.
We try to keep a balanced perspective, especially on matters such as this (electric vs. conventional), but the video you’ll find below really puts the Zoe in a positive light.
By Andrei Nedelea
VIDEO