New Renault ZOE EV further extends range

The third generation of Renault’s ZOE all-electric car is on the way but pricing and specs for Ireland are yet to be announce, writes Trish Whelan.

This flagship vehicle of Renault’s 100pc electric range now comes with more power and range and an array of high-tech equipment for both driving comfort and on-board experience.

Seven years after the introduction of what has become Europe’s best-selling urban electric car, New ZOE evolves in versatility, quality and technology offering superior features, from the entry level.

Two motors are offered: the 80kW (R110) of the previous generation, and a new 100 kW (R135) which brings more power, more torque and better revving. The R135, with 245Nm torque, can achieve 0-100km/h in under 10 seconds. 

ZOE has no gearbox or clutch because of its electric motor but still retains a gear lever to switch between different driving modes or to reverse. 

There’s also a new driving ‘B’ mode which almost does away with the use of the brake pedal as when activated, the car decelerates significantly faster as soon as the driver releases the accelerator pedal, making driving easier especially when in slow city traffic. 

The new ZE 50 battery (the previous model had a 40 battery) takes its range up to 390km (WLTP and an increase of 20pc) and now also offers fast direct current charging, an addition to the alternating current charging options already available at home or on the street.

Renault claim ‘New ZOE is the only affordable electric vehicle on the market to offer AC charging up to 22 kW and DC up to 50 kW’ allowing around 150 kilometres in 30 minutes. 

All versions include 22kW AC charging as standard, ideal for the Irish public charging infrastructure as ESB eCars offer 1,000 ESB public 22kW AC charging points in Ireland and EasyGo plan to add several hundred more. City and town centre chargers in Ireland are almost always 22kW so owners are never far from a quick top-up adding up to 82kms in 30 minutes.

The car can charge from 0-100pc in 9 hours and 25 minutes using a 7 kW Wallbox allowing a complete recharge overnight; and recovers around 300 kms of range in eight hours when charged at home. 

The first ZOE in 2012 had a 22kWh battery which offered around 150 kilometres of real range; the second ZOE in 2016 with a ZE 40 battery saw the car’s real range double to 300 kilometres.

Inside, the dashboard has been completely redesigned with a new, soft and supple high-quality material.

Features include a 10-inch driver’s display on every model containing the main driving aids and all settings specific to electric driving. A 9.3-inch touch screen multimedia display that extends across the centre console giving access to all the navigation and entertainment services is standard on top specced cars. 

The brand’s Easy Link system has been improved with specific electric vehicle functions like the availability of charging stations in real-time. It also allows users can connect their smartphone and show applications via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

ZOE sales have been growing steadily since its launch and there have been nearly 150,000 registrations by the end of May 2019.