Renault Zoe

Renault’s updates transform the new ZOE into a premium hatchback that just happens to be electric, discovers Jonathan Musk.

- Jonathan Musk

With 250,000 sales of the ZOE (including 10,000 in the UK), Renault got into the electric game early, when the first ZOE rolled offits Parisian production line in 2012. Successive updates have kept the ZOE’s head above water, but it isn’t until now that it’s received a major revision to keep it up-to-date amongst ever-growing competition.

That said, this year has seen the ZOE’s popularity grow with the now outgoing model’s sales up 78% over 2018 figures, year-to-date.

The new ZOE also marks the start of a refreshed enthusiasm by Renault in the electric sector, that will include eight EVs by 2022, with two as-yet unnamed electric vehicles joining the ZOE, Twizy, K-ZE, RSM SM3 Z.E., Kangoo Z.E. and Master Z.E. In the same year, together these full-electric models will make up an estimated 10% of Renault’s sales, and will contribute to Renault electrifying 50% of its entire range with either battery electric vehicles or its new E-TECH hybrid system.

Naturally, Renault is keen to keep the ZOE’s momentum going and the new model looks set to do exactly that with the promise of a longer range, improved handling and a heavily revised interior.

The battery has seen a substantial capacity increase – now 26% larger to 52kWh usable capacity – yet it fits into the same space as the old 41kWh pack so that it doesn’t encumber the cabin any further. The larger capacity means range has increased to a WLTP-rated maximum of 245 miles in the best case scenario, although it’s worth noting that Renault itself suggests in real life owners should expect more like 233 miles in summer and 149 miles in winter.