One of the best-selling electric cars on the market, the Renault Zoe, has just gotten a significantly improved second generation.
Changes for the 2020 Zoe include a redesigned front end, new LED headlights, taillights and fog lamps, as well as reshaped bumpers, new colors and wheels.
On the inside, the car features a new dashboard layout, 9.3-inch infotainment system and a customizable 10-inch TFT instrument cluster. Drivers have access to a generous list of gear that counts wireless smartphone charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, among others. In certain specs, like the seat upholstery and seatbelts, Renault has used recycled materials, an interesting touch for those who care about Mother Nature.
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Powered by a bigger electric motor and a higher-output battery, the 2020 Zoe boasts 100 kW (135 PS / 133 hp) and 181 lb-ft (245 Nm) of torque, and a range of up to 242 miles (389 km). The 52 kWh battery supports 50 kW fast charging, which will give you around 90 miles (145 km) of range in about 30 minutes. Using a 22 kWh public charger for one hour results in a 78-mile (126-km) range, whereas plugging it in the usual 7 kW Wallbox is a 9.5-hour operation.
A lesser version of the car that features the same drivetrain as the previous generation, with an 80 kW (110 PS / 108 hp) motor, is also available.
So, for about the same price as before, you get more out of the Renault’s small EV, but how does it feel from behind the wheel? Quite good, actually. Electrek tested it out in Italy and were satisfied with just about everything. The following review is one of the first regarding the zero-emission supermini, which is already on sale in different markets, with customer deliveries to start early next year.