Renault’s EV supermini, the Zoe, is priced from £13,650 (€16,040) in the UK after the government’s Plug-in Car Grant deduction. The new hatchback is already available to order now and will arrive in UK showrooms from June 7.
On top of the retail price that is similar to the diesel Clio, buyers will also have to pay from £70 (€82) a month for the battery lease. Starting April 5, Zoe’s base price will increase to £13,995 (€16,450), to align with Renault’s price hike on all of its models.
The Zoe has an NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) homologated range of 130 miles (209 km). However, Renault admits that in real conditions and in suburban use, the Zoe will offer a driving range of around 60 miles (96.5 km) in cold weather and 90 miles (145 km) in warmer conditions.
Power comes from a 65kW (87HP) synchronous electric motor with rotor coil which delivers 220 Nm of torque, that allows the Zoe to reach a limited top speed of 84 mph (135 km/h).
Renault’s electric supermini is available in three trim levels – Expression, Dynamique Zen and Dynamique Intens. The latter two versions start from £14,750 (€17,345) now, but will cost £15,195 (€17,870) from April 7. The base Expression trim comes with 15-inch Aerobase wheel trims, the R-Link multimedia system, a 4x20W radio with USB input, jack, SD multimedia and Bluetooth, climate control, cruise control, hill start assist system and traction control, among others.
Dynamique Zen and Intens have additional features, including 16-inch wheels, hands-free keycard, remote battery charging and climate control activation, auto lights and wipers, 4x35W Arkamys 3D digital sound system, leather steering wheel, electric rear windows and rear parking sensors.
Every Zoe features “Range OptimiZEr”, a package that combines bi-modal regenerative braking, a heat pump and Michelin Energy E-V tyres in order to increase driving range.
The EV is also fitted as standard with the Chameleon charger, which is compatible with all power levels from 3kW up to 43kW. Using a Rapid Charger 43kW AC power source, the batteries can be charged 80 percent in 30 minutes. Full battery charge can take up to nine hours though.
By Dan Mihalascu
PHOTO GALLERY
