Renault Zoe Review 2024

Renault Zoe At A Glance

2/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The Renault Zoe is not the freshest or most exciting electric car on the block, but it's decent to drive, relatively affordable and has a longer range than many rivals in its latest form.

+Fun and easy-going driving experience, decent ride quality, cabin, range and performance all improved in 2019

-Very poor safety rating as a new car, limited range in early cars, not the roomiest EV

New prices start from £29,940
Insurance Groups are between 14–23

The Renault Zoe was the first electric car from the French brand to be sold all across Europe designed from the ground-up as an EV. Originally it competed primarily with Nissan’s Leaf, but today it lines up with a slew of new electric cars including the Smart EQ Forfour  Vauxhall Corsa-e and Peugeot e-208. Read on for our full review of the Renault Zoe E-Tech.

The first generation was one of the first mass-produced EVs and is still a viable choice today, but the pace of battery tech moves quickly and the current generation model offers considerably better range and performance. As a first step into electric motoring however, the Zoe is a sensible and appealing choice, and one of the cheapest electric cars on the market.

The Renault Zoe followed on from the introduction of the electric Fluence ZE and Twizy, but unlike the former, the Zoe was designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle.

Indeed 60 patents were filed during the development of the Zoe, with innovations to improve range and comfort. That partly explains the unusual looks of the original car; a small footprint makes it easy to drive and park in the city, but the slightly tall and bulbous body means plenty of space inside for people as well as making room for the electrical gubbins.

The original Zoe's electric motor produces 89PS and 219Nm, with a maximum range of 130 miles between charges. Most people won’t manage quite such a distance before needing to plug in with a realistic range of 90 miles in good conditions, which was pretty typical at the time but has since been exceeded by more modern designs. 

From 2020, the official range of the Zoe increased to 247 miles thanks to a new 52kWh battery, while Renault estimated a real-world range of 234 miles in the summer. It was also more powerful and better suited to longer journeys - although it remains a town-focused car. 

The increased range doesn’t come for free, but it does make it a much more viable proposition for a wider range of buyers. Add into that the significant increase in public charging points and in a few short years the Zoe has become a genuine alternative to petrol or diesel power in a way that it was not before. However you can't charge the Zoe from a standard household three-pin socket, so you really need a wallbox.

Energy saving technology includes regenerative braking and a heater system that has no effect on the vehicle's range. Michelin Energy Saver EV tyres designed specifically for electric cars reduce rolling resistance and withstand the immediate torque delivery unique to electric motors. 

On the plus side, neat technology fitted to the Zoe included a 'voice' system that allows the otherwise silent car to be heard by pedestrians and R-Link, which allows drivers to access data and operate certain functions remotely from their phone. For example, charging can be turned on and off remotely. 

By the time the Renault Zoe E-Tech was updated in 2019 it was facing a number of competitive rivals, including the Peugeot e-208 and latest Nissan Leaf. It's price stayed affordable and its interior improved substantially, but a damning verdict from safety Euro NCAP in 2021 did real harm to its appeal. Renault has upped its game with the Megane e-Tech Electric, but that's substantially more expensive.

Looking for a second opinion? Check out heycar's review of the Renault Zoe E-Tech.

Renault Zoe handling and engines

Driving Rating
The Renault Zoe rolls more in bends than most of its hatchback rivals, but never enough to upset passengers of a nervous disposition. Be wary of its poor safety record as a new car, however.

Renault Zoe 2024: Handling and ride quality

We like the Renault Zoe's ride and handling, so even if it's not as soft as you might hope given Renault's heritage, it's still pretty good, with only the sharpest ridges and ruts upsetting the overall balance.

The steering is sharp and accurate enough, while in corners it feels very stable and only when you're on the roughest of roads does it feel skittish. Overall, a MINI Electric is noticeably more fun and a Peugeot e-208 is more comfortable, but as an older model the Zoe is very accomplished. 

The brakes are over sensitive thanks to regeneration, but most drivers soon adjust to this and make smooth progress. It still requires some care because at the end of the brake you lose regeneration so the car does not stop as progressively as you first expect.

Renault Zoe 2024: Engines

To drive the Renault Zoe is both easy and surprisingly sprightly. Acceleration is strong and linear, and even uphill it can leave traffic behind.

The throttle is smooth and you just get a nice, clean and uninterrupted wave of power when you need it. Even in Eco mode, the Zoe doesn't feel sluggish. With zero engine noise, the driver is more aware of other sources of noise, but road and wind noise are both kept in check, meaning it's a very refined little car.

On the motorway, the Zoe is happy to cruise at 70mph and has plenty in reserve for steeper inclines or if you're carrying a full load of passengers. These faster drives will deplete battery charge quite quickly, affecting the driving range.

It rides well and feels very stable indeed. In Eco mode, higher speeds are positively discouraged, with the cruise always dropping you back to 60mph regardless of the speed entered - which is a bit of a shame. But either take it out of Eco, or just slow down to HGV speed for an easier life.

The Renault Zoe gained a 52kWh battery in 2019, enough for a WLTP range of 223-239 miles depending on which trim you choose. That makes it usefully more potent and able to keep up with the general motorway hustle and bustle than in previous guises.

We averaged 245 miles of range mainly on level roads, dropping to 179 miles range driving harder on steep and twisting mountain roads. That's an impressive figure for a small car. 

Renault Zoe 2024: Safety

Renault had a strong track record when it comes to safety, and spent billions in ensuring a strong performance from all of its cars. The original Zoe was no exception, recording a full five stars from Euro NCAP when it was first tested in 2013.

However, Euro NCAP has heavily revised its testing since, and the Zoe hasn't kept pace over time despite the big update in 2019. Automatic emergency braking isn't available even as an option, for example.

When Euro NCAP retested the updated Renault Zoe in 2021, it awarded it a shocking zero stars. As some cold comfort, all Zoes now have four airbags, ESP, lane departure warning and lane keep assist, and twin Isofix child seat mounts in the two outer rear seats.

All Zoes are fitted with a tyre repair kit as standard, and there is no option to add a space saver or full-size spare wheel.

Renault Zoe 2024: Towing

Because it is a pure electric car, the Renault Zoe is not suitable for towing trailers. In addition, its not suitable to be towed by another vehicle either; in the event that your Zoe needs to be recovered, it must be towed with the front wheels raised off the ground so that no charge can be fed back into the battery as this can cause damage.

Engine MPG 0-62 CO2
Q90 - 13.5 s -
R110 - 11.4–11.9 s -
R135 - 9.5 s -

Renault Zoe interior

Interior Rating
You sit high in the Zoe, which is a necessity as the battery pack is under the seats - good for boot space, less so for those who like to sit low.
Dimensions
Length 4084–4087 mm
Width 1945 mm
Height 1562 mm
Wheelbase 2588 mm

Full specifications

Renault Zoe 2024: Practicality

Given it is a relatively small car on the outside, the amount of space inside the Zoe is pretty good. From the driver’s seat you’ll notice you sit relatively high and somewhat upright, but that makes the most of the tall body and the result is you have a good view out. There’s no shortage of head or legroom either. 

Rear seat room is good, as long as the front seat passenger is prepared to compromise their own legroom, while headroom is okay, despite the high seating position.

The boot is also pretty good, offering 338 litres with the rear seat in the upright position and 1225 litres when folded. That’s on a par with many of its conventional small hatch rivals, so you don’t really miss out in practical terms by making the electric choice. The 2019 facelift didn't do much to address practicality, but then it didn't really need to. 

Renault Zoe 2024: Quality and finish

The controls are simple and it all looks nicely minimalist inside. The centre console in our test Zoe was in glossy white, which looks classy, adding to the ultra-modern appeal. Overall quality of this early Zoe was decent enough, but became 

The gear lever is familiar to anyone who drives an auto of any description. Renault swapped to an electronic handbrake button with the 2019 revisions, and this seems more in keeping with the techy feel of an EV.

In town, all-round visibility is good and what rearward blindspots you end up struggling with during parking, the rear facing camera covers. However, the light coloured dash-top can cause windscreen reflections in bright sunlight.

With the 2019 facelift the Renault Zoe's interior quality was noticeably improved to keep it in line with newer alternatives. More soft-touch finishes and a classier look brought it up to date, although compared to the MINI Electric it's not particularly posh. 

Renault Zoe 2024: Infotainment

Even the lower-priced Techno model comes with Bluetooth, two USB sockets for all of your media needs, and a 9.3-inch touchscreen infotainment and navigation system. It's in the latter that the Zoe must be commended - the infotainment and sat nav system really does look good, has excellent functionality, and is simple to use. 

The infotainment comes with satellite navigation included, but you can also access this and other apps from your smartphone using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. There are also six speakers for the stereo and a 10-inch digital instrument display directly in front of the driver.

We also really like the new climate controls that have rotary dials housing little backlit displays - much easier than having to navigate touchscreen menus to adjust the fan speed.

Renault Zoe value for money

Value for Money Rating
The Renault Zoe is not as affordable as it once was, but it's still one of the cheaper EVs available.

Renault Zoe 2024: Prices

The Renault Zoe E-Tech is not as keenly pitched price-wise as it once was. Other larger EVs are around for the same sort of money, such as the MG 5 EV, and there are other supermini EVs that cost less. However, the Zoe still appeals and the entry point is the Techno R135 model that costs from £29,995.

A move to the Techno R135 Boost Charge version needs a further £1200 thanks to a list price of £31,195, while the top of the line Iconic model comes in at £31,995.

As for used examples, the popularity of the Zoe over the years means, along with the Nissan Leaf, it should be pretty easy to find the right model for sale at an affordable price. A search through the classified ads turned up a Dynamique specification car with under 30,000 miles, which means there’s plenty of life left in the battery, for a shade over £5,000. 

Also of note is that despite supply issues removing discounts from the vast majority of new cars, you can get a few thousand pounds off a Renault Zoe with delivery miles on it right now. Finance deals are competitive too. Prices for the updated model from late 2019 start from around £10,500. 

An important consideration when looking at used examples is not so much the mileage, as the state of the battery.

As with a mobile phone or laptop battery, the number of discharge and recharge cycles affects the health of the battery. You can ask the supplying dealer to run a diagnostic check to get this information, but you may have more luck seeking out a compatible OBD diagnostic plug-in and accompanying phone app to check the state of the battery.

Renault Zoe 2024: Running Costs

Depending on whether you choose the Techno or Iconic trims, the Zoe E-Tech has a claimed driving range of 239- or 223 miles, respectively. However, both take the same time to charge up, needing just more than an hour to go from flat to 80% using a 50kW rapid charger. At home on a typical wall box charger, it should take about nine and a half hours to go from flat to fully charged.

As an EV, there’s no road tax to pay with the Zoe in the first year or those that follow at present rates. Company car drivers will pay Benefit in Kind at 2%, while insurance for the Renault falls into Group 18 for the Techno trim and 19 for the Iconic.

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Renault Zoe models and specs

Techno is the trim that gets the Renault Zoe E-Tech up and running. It comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and a reversing camera. There also climate control to cool the cabin, and heated front seats and steering wheel. Dark grey fabric made from recycled materials is used for the upholstery, while a 9.3-inch infotainment touchscreen works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Techno Boost Charge lives up to its name by coming with all of the above plus a combined CCS DC quick charger, so you can hook up to rapid chargers for quicker battery top-ups.

Take the top-of-the-line Iconic Boost Charge and you get all the kit and quick charging, along with 17-inch alloy wheels. This trim also has titanium-effect exterior door strips.

Dimensions
Length 4084–4087 mm
Width 1945 mm
Height 1562 mm
Wheelbase 2588 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 1468–1502 kg
Boot Space 338–1225 L
Warranty 2 years
Servicing 18000 miles
Spare Wheel
Standard Tyre-repair kit
Costs
List Price £29,940–£31,940
Insurance Groups 14–23
Road Tax Bands Exempt
Official MPG -
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall 5

Currently on sale

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
GT Rapid Charge ZE 50kWh R135 Battery Purchase Auto 5dr £31,570 - -
Iconic Boost Charge ZE 52kWh R135 Battery Purchase Auto 5dr £31,940 - -
Techno Boost Charge ZE 52kWh R135 Battery Purchase Auto 5dr £29,940 - -
Techno ZE 52kWh R135 Battery Purchase Auto 5dr £31,140 - -

On sale until November 2022

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
i-GT Line+ Rapid Charge ZE 50kWh R135 Battery Purchase Auto 5dr £31,295 - -
SE Rapid Charge ZE 50kWh R135 Battery Purchase Auto 5dr - - -

On sale until October 2022

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
i-S Edition Rapid Charge ZE 50kWh R135 Battery Purchase Auto 5dr £29,895 - -
R110 i Iconic ZE 50kWh Rpdchg Auto 5dr £31,795 - 11.4 s

On sale until July 2022

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
i-GT Edition Rapid Charge ZE 50kWh R135 Battery Purchase Auto 5dr £33,795 - -
i-S Edition Rapid Charge ZE 50kWh R110 Battery Purchase Auto 5dr £29,395 - -

On sale until April 2022

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
i-Riviera Rapid Charge ZE 50kWh R135 Battery Purchase Auto 5dr £34,095 - 9.5 s
i-Venture Rapid Charge ZE 50kWh R110 Battery Purchase Auto 5dr £32,495 - -
i-Venture ZE 50kWh R110 Battery Purchase Auto 5dr £31,495 - -
R110 i Play ZE 50kWh Auto 5dr £29,295 - -
R135 i GT Line ZE 50kWh Rpdchg Auto 5dr £33,795 - -
R135 i Iconic ZE 50kWh Rpdchg Auto 5dr £32,295 - -

On sale until November 2021

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
R110 i Iconic ZE 50kWh Auto 5dr - - -
R135 i GT Line ZE 50kWh Auto 5dr - - -
R135 i Iconic ZE 50kWh Auto 5dr - - -

On sale until April 2020

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
Dynamique Nav Q90 40KWH Auto 5dr £22,670 - 13.5 s
Dynamique Nav R110 40KWH Auto 5dr £21,920 - 11.9 s
I Dynamique Nav Q90 40KWH Auto 5dr £29,270 - 13.5 s
I Dynamique Nav R110 40KWH Auto 5dr £28,520 - 11.9 s
I S Edition Nav Q90 40KWH Auto 5dr - - -
I S Edition Nav R110 40KWH Auto 5dr - - -
I Signature Nav Q90 40KWH Auto 5dr £31,520 - 13.5 s
I Signature Nav R110 40KWH Auto 5dr £30,770 - 11.9 s
S Edition Nav Q90 40KWH Auto 5dr - - -
S Edition Nav R110 40KWH Auto 5dr - - -
Signature Nav Q90 40KWH Auto 5dr £24,920 - 13.5 s
Signature Nav R110 40KWH Auto 5dr £24,170 - 11.9 s

On sale until September 2018

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
Dynamique Nav Auto 5dr £22,670 - 13.5 s
Expression Nav Auto 5dr £18,745 - 13.5 s
I Dynamique Nav Auto 5dr £28,270 - 13.5 s
I Expression Nav Auto 5dr £24,345 - 13.5 s
I Signature Nav Auto 5dr £30,520 - -
Signature Nav Auto 5dr £24,920 - 13.5 s

On sale until April 2017

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
I Sgntre Nav Quick Charge Auto 5dr £31,270 - -
I Signature Nav Auto 5dr £30,520 - -

On sale until August 2015

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
Dynamique Intens 5dr CVT Auto £20,044 - 13.5 s
Dynamique Zen 5dr CVT Auto £20,044 - 13.5 s
Expression 5dr CVT Auto £18,443 - 13.5 s

Model History

March 2012

Renault Zoe unveiled

Initially, in the UK, monthly battery hire costs from £70 (9,000 miles/36 month contract), inclusive of comprehensive breakdown assistance (which covers flat batteries).

Regenerative braking recovers practically all of the energy otherwise wasted during braking, without any significant impact on ZOE’s on-road dynamics. The car offers a smooth drive with no jarring electric motor braking.

The system works in two ways - the kinetic energy produced under deceleration and braking is recovered by the motor so that it can be converted into electricity to charge the battery. This feature is also fitted to Fluence Z.E. and Kangoo Z.E. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the system intelligently distributes the braking effort between applying the brake pads and the electric motor brake with a view to maximising the use of the electric motor brake and charging of the battery.

The Zoe uses the Chameleon charger. Patented by Renault, this charger is compatible with all power levels up to 43kW. Charging batteries at a charging station can take between 30 minutes and nine hours. For example, ZOE can be charged in an hour at 22kW. This intermediate power level extends battery life and puts less pressure on the power grid than the fast-charging of batteries at 43kW.

The Chameleon charger allows fast-charging at charging stations at quarter of the cost. Fast-charging stations are currently equipped with high-power chargers. Now that the Chameleon charger is fitted to the vehicle, there is no longer any need for chargers at charging stations. New fast-charging stations will be opened which are easier and more cost-effective. They will cost less than £2,700, a quarter of the cost of existing fast-charging stations.

The synchronous electric motor with rotor coil has a power output of 65kW (equivalent to 89hp) and instantly delivers maximum torque of 220Nm. Acceleration and pull-away are responsive from low speeds. Driving is more relaxing thanks to the silent ride and smooth, gearshift-free acceleration.

Programmable pre-conditioning heats or cools ZOE’s cabin when the vehicle is charging. There are two benefits for the system. Firstly, when the driver gets into the car the cabin is just the right temperature and secondly, it removes the need to use up battery charge.

An activated charcoal cabin air filter traps most bad smells and pollutants. It also filters substances just a few microns in size, such as pollen and soot.

Emissions total 62 g/km of CO2 in Europe, versus 89 g/km for the new Toyota Prius. They are even lower in France at just 12 g/km of CO2.

DIMENSIONS
Length (mm) 4,084
Overall width (mm) 1,730
Height (unladen) (mm) 1,568
Wheelbase (mm) 2,588
Boot capacity (litres) 338
Number of seats 5
Front / rear overhang (mm) 836 / 661
Front / rear track (mm) 1,506 / 1,489
MOTOR
Type Synchronous with rotor coil
Power (kW) / (hp) 65 / 88
Maximum torque (Nm) 220
Transmission Reducer gear
BATTERY
Type Lithium-ion
Capacity (kW) 22
Range (NEDC) 130 miles
Top speed (mph) 84
CHARGER
Type Single or three phase supply up to 43kW
Charge time 3kW (16A single phase wall box) = 9 hours
22kW (32A three-phase charging station) = 1 hour
43kW (63A three-phase charging station) = 30 minutes

June 2013

Zoe launched in the UK

The free Single Wall-box, supplied and installed by Renault’s preferred electric vehicle charging partner, British Gas, is available both to new customers, as well as those who’ve already pre-ordered ZOE.

This offer makes the most of the recently announced 75% support on domestic Wall-box installations as part of the government’s £37m grant funding to increase take up of electric vehicles, with Renault contributing the remaining 25%. The ground-breaking offer will save a typical customer up to £500* and make the stylish 100% pure electric Renault even more affordable and easy to run.

Customers already save up to £5,000 on the price of their electric car from the government’s Plug-In Grant. In ZOE’s case, this brings the car’s on-the-road price (£13,650 to £14,750 depending on trim level) down to an equivalent diesel supermini and becomes yet another incentive to make the switch to electric and ‘Drive the change’.

British Gas will install a 32 amp (7kW) ZE ready Single Wall-box with all new and pre-ordered purchases, and have it fully operational ready for owners well in advance of charging their eagerly-awaited pure electric ZOE at home for the first time.

The Single Wall-box can be installed at any UK residential address with a GPRS signal, and has an attached lead, meaning that drivers don’t have to delve into the boot at night to find the cable to plug in. The cable is 4.5 metres long, ensuring that even customers with off-street parking will be able to charge their ZOE easily. Also included in the package is free access to the public charging network across the UK.

July 2015

Renault Zoe updated

Option of new Renault developed R240 motor with range of 149 miles that translates to a realistic 71 - 106 miles. Range priced from £13,445 after £5,000 Government grant.

The new line up consists of Expression Nav (replacing Expression), Dynamique Nav (replacing Dynamique Intens) and Dynamique Nav Rapid Charge (replacing Dynamique Intens). Expression Nav and Dynamique Nav feature the new R240 motor, while Dynamique Nav Rapid Charge retains the original power unit.

Standard items on Expression Nav include R-Link voice-controlled satellite navigation with a 7-inch tablet touchscreen, Climate control, Renault Keycard entry system, Bluetooth connectivity, a 4x20W radio with four speakers, USB and AUX ports, cruise control, front electric windows and rear privacy glass.

A comprehensive array of technology is standard in order to make ZOE as efficient as possible – the Renault Range OptimiZEr range-extender (heat pump, regenerative braking and Michelin ENERGY E-V low-friction tyres); the Renault Chameleon™ charger allowing the battery to be replenished in one to nine hours and adapt itself to always extract the most charge from any charging source, an ECO mode, a Z.E. Connect remote battery monitoring, Z.E. Voice low-speed pedestrian alert, a TFT display with a trip computer and driving style indicator, battery charge indicator, econometer and range indicator.

Model

Power

January 0001

kW (hp)

Torque

January 0001

Nm

NEDC range

January 0001

(miles)

Real-world range (miles, Winter/Summer)

Expression Nav

65 (88)

220

149

71 / 106

Dynamique Nav

65 (88)

220

149

71 / 106

Dynamique Nav Rapid Charge

65 (88)

220

130

62 / 93

Model

Price OTR

Expression Nav

£13,445

Dynamique Nav

£15,045

Dynamique Nav Rapid Charge

£15,545

November 2016

Revised Renault Zoe prices announced

Prices start at £13,995 (+ battery lease from £49pm) with extended range up to 250 miles (but not for £13,995).

Renault UK announced pricing and specification for the 2017 model year Renault ZOE, now available with the new Z.E.40 battery that has a 250 mile (NEDC) range – the longest range of any mainstream electric vehicle. In real-world driving, Renault estimates the ZOE fitted with the new Z.E.40 battery has a range of between 186 miles in temperate conditions and 124 miles in extreme cold conditions.

A new top-of-the-range Signature Nav trim level is also added to the 2017 ZOE line-up.

ZOE is offered with a choice of two batteries – the new Z.E.40 battery from £59pm and the existing 22kW battery from £49pm. The entry level Expression at £13,995 comes with the 22kW battery whilst Dynamique Nav and above are offered with the new Z.E.40 battery enabling buyers to choose a ZOE that suits their needs. The Z.E.40 battery is available with an optional Quick Charge facility that reduces charging times. All ZOEs sold to private customers are supplied with a fully-installed 7kW fast-charging box that enables convenient charging at home.

ZOE version

Power

(hp @ rpm)

Torque

(Nm)

0-62mph (sec)

Top speed (mph)

Expression Nav R90 22kW

92 @ 3,000

220, from 250 rpm

13.5

84

Dynamique Nav R90 Z.E.40

92 @ 3,000

220, from 250 rpm

13.5

84

Dynamique Nav Q90 Z.E.40

88 @ 3,000

220, from 250 rpm

13.5

84

Signature Nav R90 Z.E.40

92 @ 3,000

220, from 250 rpm

13.5

84

Signature Nav Q90 Z.E.40

88 @ 3,000

220, from 250 rpm

13.5

84

February 2018

Renault Zoe updated for 2018

with new electric motor This will be the first Renault EV to feature the new R110 80kW motor which is 12kW (16PS) more powerful than its predecessor.

Drivers will benefit from stronger acceleration performance when travelling at higher speeds as the new motor shaves almost two seconds off Zoe’s 49.7-to-74.5mph (80-120kph) time.

Android Auto-enabled R-LINK Evolution will be available for 2018-model-year Zoe, which means drivers will be able to display driving-compatible Android applications stored on their smartphone (including Waze, Deezer, Spotify, TuneIn, Skype, Messenger, Audible and many others available from Google Play Store) on their car’s multimedia screen.

The 2018 model-year Zoe range features a stylish new dark metallic purple body colour: Aconite. Available from the Dynamique Nav version, the Zoe can also be specified with the new Purple Interior Pack which includes a violet satin finish for the dashboard trim strip and air vent, gear lever base, loudspeaker surrounds, top stitching along with black and violet fabric upholstery.

ZOE version

BIK

VED (band)

Ins. group

Price

(after PiCG)*

Dynamique Nav R110 Z.E.40

7%

A

TBC

£18,420

Signature Nav R110 Z.E.40

7%

A

TBC

£20,670

Dynamique Nav Q90 Z.E.40

7%

A

TBC

£19,170

Signature Nav Q90 Z.E.40

7%

A

TBC

£21,420

October 2018

Renault Zoe S-Edition introduced

Has grey-coloured upholstery with its new Highland Grey exterior and new 17-inch aluminium wheel rims. As an accessory, Zoe now offers a luggage compartment floor that is installed flush with the luggage compartment sill and frees up the loading space by storing the cables in this double bottom accessory. Lastly, the Zoe S-Edition is equipped with R110 and Q90 motors offering a real-world range of 186 miles.

February 2019

Orders open for Renault Zoe S Edition

Renault ZOE S Edition replaces the previous Signature Nav version and brings extra equipment at a small premium over the Renault ZOE Dynamique Nav. Ordering is open now and deliveries of the ZOE S Edition begin in April.

Additional equipment includes BOSE stereo, with DAB radio – delivering sharp sound throughout the cabin and acoustics that are tuned to the specific dimensions of the Renault ZOE’s interior. Meanwhile, manoeuvring is easier than ever thanks to the rear parking camera.

All of the seats are covered in a leather and textile and comfort is enhanced with lumbar adjustment on the driver’s seat. Choice of 16-inch ‘Black Shadow’ alloy wheels or, at no additional cost, they can upgrade to assertive looking 17-inch ‘Black Optemic’ alloy wheels.

These are in addition features of Renault ZOE Dynamique Nav, which includes a hands-free keycard, rear parking sensors, automatic wipers and lights, climate control, and a leather steering wheel and gear knob. Also featuring is front and rear electric windows, and electric, heated and folding door mirrors. Voice-controlled satellite navigation is also standard on all Renault ZOEs via an embedded tablet in the centre console that includes a seven-inch touchscreen.

Z.E. Connected Services take communication between smartphone and car allow remote charging, monitoring of your charge status and pre-conditioning. This means the customer can pre-set the temperature of their ZOE so it’s ready for when they get in.

The Renault ZOE S Edition is priced from £19,270 on the road including the government Plug-in Car Grant. This is £850 more than the Renault ZOE Dynamique Nav. Buyers can choose to buy their Renault ZOE and lease the battery, or they can purchase the full car outright (referred to as ZOE i). Battery leasing begins from just £59 per month.

A choice of two motors are available in the both the ZOE Dynamique Nav and the ZOE S Edition. The Q90 Quick Charge motor allows for faster battery charging, from zero to 80 per cent in 65 minutes with a 43 kWh charger. The R110 motor has an extra 19 horsepower and has improved performance, especially between 50mph and 70mph. Both are mated to the Z.E. 40 battery and both have a WLTP-rated range of 186 miles.

Model

Kw (hp)

Range (WLTP
mile)*

CO₂ Band

BIK

OTR after PiCG

Renault ZOE Dynamique Nav R110

80 (107)

186

A

9%

£18,420

Renault ZOE Dynamique Nav Q90

65 (88)

186

A

9%

£19,170

Renault ZOE
S Edition R110

80 (107)

186

A

9%

£19,270

Renault ZOE
S Edition Q90

65 (88)

186

A

9%

£20,020

Prices with battery included:

Model

Kw (hp)

Range (WLTP
mile)*

CO₂ Band

BIK

OTR after PiCG

Renault ZOE i Dynamique Nav R110

80 (107)

186

A

9%

£25,020

Renault ZOE i Dynamique Nav Q90

65 (88)

186

A

9%

£25,770

Renault ZOE i
S Edition R110

80 (107)

186

A

9%

£25,870

Renault ZOE i
S Edition Q90

80 (107)

186

A

9%

£26,620

*WLTP range is 186 miles. Renault estimates a real life range of 186 miles in summer and 124 miles in winter.

June 2019

'New' Renault Zoe announced

with 52kWh battery and range of up to 242 miles in WLTP tests. Choice of 80kW and 100kW motor options. Powerful 100kW R135 electric motor delivers even stronger acceleration. Restyled exterior with new colours. Redesigned interior with premium materials and 10-inch TFT instrument cluster. Faster charging with option of 50kW DC capability. LED headlamps standard across the range. New regenerative braking B Mode that allows single pedal driving. Real time charging information using EASY CONNECT app. Wireless smartphone charging option.

External changes include a revamped range of wheel designs, with three different diameters available - 15, 16 and 17-inches. Regardless of wheel size, all ZOE models get four-wheel disc braking.

Three new metallic paint finishes - Celadon Blue, Flame Red and Quartz White. This means there are now a total of nine colours to choose from.

Ahead of the driver in the 'New' ZOE is a 10-inch TFT instrument cluster, standard across the range. It contains the main driving information including an eco-meter that encourages eco-friendly driving habits. The driver can also customise the lighting and the layout of the different information on-screen, while the display’s horizon and varying perspective effects create a sense of depth for greater legibility. On versions equipped with sat-nav the instrument cluster also relays turn-by-turn instructions for safer, less distracting progress.

The dashboard has been completely redesigned to significantly improve the quality of its finishes. Novel additions include soft fabric inserts that matches that used in the seats, creating a warm and comfortable atmosphere, while LED interior lighting is standard across the range.

Standard across the range is a new electronic parking brake, which replaces the traditional handbrake to free twice as much storage in the centre console, such as a new wireless smartphone charging option and a pair of cupholders. In the rear, passengers have access to two USB sockets that can be used to charge devices such as mobile phones, tablets and portable games.

The 'New' ZOE benefits from the new 52 kWh Z.E. 50 battery, which takes the useable range up to 242 miles (WLTP), an increase of around 30 percent over the old 40 kWh pack. It also offers fast direct current (DC) charging, in addition to the alternating current charging (AC) options already available at home or on the street.

Despite the increase in range and capacity, the battery is not physically bigger, meaning no loss of interior space and practicality.

(At launch in late 2012, the first ZOE with its 22 kWh battery offered around 93 miles of real range. In 2016, Renault launched the second generation of ZOE with its 41kWh Z.E. 40 battery that doubled the real world range to 186 miles.)

For the 'New' ZOE, Renault focused on the architecture of the lithium-ion battery and the different aspects of its design, achieving an impressive 52 kWh within the same physical cell size. This translates to a 30% increase in range, to 242 miles WLTP *.

Charging the battery is also made more straightforward by the Renault EASY CONNECT smart services, which allow quick and easy location of charging points, plus the addition of the simplified optional Combo charging plug.

Located behind the Renault diamond logo charging hatch, the new Combo plug (CCS) is slightly larger than the previous plug and consists of both a European standard socket and a two-pin connector for DC charging. The central location of the socket makes charging even easier, especially on public charging stations which have their own cable.

Thanks to this Combo plug, the New ZOE is able to charge quickly with a direct current (DC) up to 50 kW, simply by inserting the charging cable attached to the terminal into the two-pin connector that’s sited below the type-2 socket.

The standard type-2 cable provided with the car and the Caméléon charger are used for everyday AC charging use, such as at home with a Wallbox, at work, in the car park or on public roads using anything up to a 22kW supply.

When using a 7kW Wallbox the New ZOE can charge from 0 to 100 percent in 9 hours and 25 minutes. This ensures that a complete recharge can comfortably be achieved overnight. Around 190 miles of range can be achieved in just 8 hours*. Users charging their vehicle at home can also benefit from the programming options, adjusting their recharge to correspond with tariff fluctuations from their electricity supplier.

Plugging the ZOE into a public 22kW roadside charger can deliver a useful 78 miles of range in only one hour.

However, the fastest recharge times are achieved with the new 50kW DC charging option, which is perfect for longer trips. Replenishing the battery in this way can add around 90 miles of range in as little as half an hour.

The new R135 100 kW engine delivers the equivalent of 135PS and improved torque for faster acceleration and greater responsiveness. The increased-capacity battery of New ZOE (Z.E.50) gets the most out of the Renault developed motor, whih offers 245Nm from zero rpm and drives through a single speed gearbox, helping the ZOE sprint from 0 to 62mph in less than 10 seconds and onto a top speed of 87mph. The 100kW model can accelerate from 50 to 75 mph in just 7.1 seconds, 2.2 seconds quicker than than the 80kW 110 PS R110 engine that carries over unchanged.

Both electric motors come equipped with the new “B mode” driving function, which intensifies the regenerative braking effect to essentially allow the driver one pedal operation of the car. When B mode is activated, the car decelerates significantly faster as soon as the driver releases the accelerator pedal. B mode makes driving easier, especially in the city or in slow moving traffic.

September 2019

New Renault Zoe specifications and prices announced

Renault ZOE is available to buy both as full purchase, with no mileage limit on the battery and an eight year/100,000-mile guarantee, or as a battery lease option, offering a more affordable purchase route with peace of mind.

New ZOE version

BIK

(2019-2020)

BIK

(2020-2021)

VED (band)

Ins. group

Congestion Charge

Full Purchase Price OTR

(after PiCG)

Play R110 Z.E.50

16%

0%

A

TBC

£0

£25,670

Iconic R110 Z.E.50

16%

0%

A

TBC

£0

£27,170

Iconic R135 Z.E.50

16%

0%

A

TBC

£0

£27,620

GT Line R135 Z.E.50

16%

0%

A

TBC

£0

£28,620

Option

Availability

Price

50 kW DC (CCS) rapid charging

Iconic and GT Line

£750

17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels with 225/45 R17 tyres

GT Line

£310

Winter Pack (heated seats & steering wheel)

Iconic and GT Line

£500

Technology Pack (front & rear sensors with rear view reverse camera & 9.3" Easy Link screen

Iconic

£800

Hands Free Parking

GT Line

£350

December 2019

Five-year 100,000 mile factory warranty announced The warranty applies to all new Renault cars registered from 18th December 2019 both retail and fleet cars and features an unlimited mileage limit during the first two years and up to 100,000 miles up to 5 years old.

The new five-year warranty covers all Renault passenger vehicles, from All-New Clio supermini through to the New Koleos SUV. Also included are Renault’s all-electric Z.E. vehicles: New ZOE and Twizy. The introduction of Renault’s five-year warranty coincides with the launch of a completely reinvigorated line-up of small cars, including All-New Clio, All-New Captur SUV, and New ZOE.

What to watch out for

11-12-2014:

Complaint of heavy tyre wear on a Renault Zoe. Down to 3mm after just 5,200 miles. Might be due to weight of batteries.

18-03-2015:

Renault has acknowledged a problem of dashboard reflections in the windscreen in early Zoes with a shiny, light beige dash top and is offering a no cost modification.

03-03-2016:

Complaint of Renault Zoe not meeting promised range. At time of purchase in Summer 2015 salesman pointed out that although Renault claimed up to 130 miles range, 85 miles was more realistic. Initial range was 68 miles, increasing to 78 miles, then dropping to 72 miles and finally to 58 miles.

30-10-2016:

Very poor range reported from 2016 Renault Zoe bought March 2016 and successfully rejected for this reason. At time of purchase salesman pointed out that although Renault claimed up to 130 miles range, 85 miles was more realistic. When buyer collected car range showed only 68 miles. Salesman explained that this would increase with use. It did but to 78 and only on one occasion only; more typically 72 miles up to October then down to 58 miles by end of October.

21-12-2016:

Report of Renault Zoe purchased on 1st September 2016 twice needing recovery by flatbed. The second time was a "total paralysis" event. The car has been in the garage for over 6 weeks and in that time owner was told it was ready for collection and a collection time was arranged. Somewhere between that notification and owner going to collect it (less than 24 hours) more warning lights came on and owner was told it could not be collected. Owner has declared it "not fit for purpose" and sought to reject it. Dealer is countering by stating he has a right to repair it and owner might be liable for depreciation the agreement is cancelled. Owner does have a legal right to reject it, but this might mean full County Court and considerable legal and court costs.

17-06-2017:

Complaint of unreliability of Renault Zoe owned for a year. Several software problems causing difficulties in charging. It has been off the road for a total of 5 weeks or more. Owner told that he has to wait in a queue for French software engineers look at the problem from afar.

20-11-2018:

Report of charging problems with October 2017 Renault Zoe (bought new) beginning in April 2018, repeating in June 2018 and September 2018 and car has now been with dealer for 5 weeks sins October 2018.

01-02-2019:

Report of October 2017 Renault Zoe requiring a replacment traction battery for the 2nd time. Car also has a water ingress problem in the boot, which owner suspects is related to the traction batteries failing.

28-04-2019:

Report of three failures of the leased traction batteries of a 2017 Renault ZOE ZE 40 Q90 resulting in car off the road with dealers for 3 months. Dealer had the cheek to offer to waive two months battery lease payments.

01-12-2019:

Report of significant wear on the shoulders of Michelin EV tyres on a 2015 Renault Zoe at 12,500 miles, to the extent they need replacing. Local tyre dealer is having difficulty finding exact replacement and suggests that any other make of tyre could invalidate the car's insurance.

04-12-2019:

Report of winter range of 35,000 mile 2014 Renault Zoe 22kWh reduced to 55 miles at 100% charge.

06-09-2021:

20 15 Zoe will not charge. Renault has quoted £3500 to fix it (for a new charger) and have refused to make any contribution to the cost.

What does the Renault Zoe cost?