The 100% electric Zoe is powered by an 88 hp and 65kW synchronous electric motor that delivers 220Nm of torque.
One of the new models that seemed to have slipped under the radar at the recent 2012 Paris Motor Show is the new electric super-mini from Renault – the Zoe. The car maker’s first 100% electric car will be available in Europe from the beginning of next year. The Renault Zoe is expected to do very well within the electric car market at half the price of other adequately driver-friendly electric cars.
At just a touch longer than the Clio, the Zoe features the new Renault brand identity which includes the new front-end signature. The compact dimensions, hatchback-shaped Zoe has been designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle to encompass stylishness, versatility and affordability. The Zoe will also be leading the charge of Renault’s Drive the Change campaign which is aimed at reducing Renault’s global carbon footprint by 20% by 2016.
The Zoe is powered by an 88 hp and 65kW synchronous electric motor that delivers 220Nm of torque. The Zoe can dash to 100km/h at just over 8 seconds towards a limited top speed of 130km/h. The Zoe’s battery can be recharged in anything from 30 minutes to 9 hours – depending on the strength of the connection used.
Costing the equivalent of about R191 000 for the base model and a battery rental of about R980 a month, Renault is claiming that the Zoe has the best range of all electric vehicles with a New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) figure of just over 200km. Renault also states, however, that the real range of electric vehicles is influenced by a lot of factors including speed, driving style, and using heat or aircon. Realistically the figures are closer to 100km in cold weather and around 140km in milder weather.
Renault will be offering the Zoe in three different trim levels: Expression, Dynamique Zen and Dynamique Intens which all include as standard Renault’s new generation regenerative braking, a heat pump and Michelin Energy E-V tyres.
The Zoe will also feature the innovative Renault R-Link multimedia system which allows the driver to control functions without taking their eyes off the road. The system comprises of an 18-inch monitor and steering wheel-mounted controls as well as voice recognition.
Included in the safety features of the super-quiet Zoe is a model-specific pedestrian alert system that functions at speeds of up to 30km/h. Other standard equipment includes child-seat anchors, an audio system with multimedia and USB functionality, cruise control, traction control, auto lights, wipers and parking sensors. Another nifty new feature in the Zoe is the fact that the air conditioning can be left on while the car is charging so the driver can return to a comfortable cabin temperature. The air filter will catch even the most microscopic pollutants, including pollen and soot.
No news yet on whether Renault South Africa is planning on giving the Zoe a shot in local dealerships.
Photo sourced from www.green.autoblog.com