The Zoe is a 100% electric five-door hatchback car from Renault which is designed to be electric from the start. This electric car is the first car with a considerable range (210 km) and with an affordable price of 20.000 euro. This car has the potential to revolutionize the electric car market.



Engine and batteries

The Zoe is powered by a 65 kW engine with 220 Nm of torque and has a top speed 135 km/h (84 mph). Acceleration from 0-100 km/h (63 mph) in 13.5 seconds.



Inside the hood

The lithium-ion battery pack of 22 kWh delivers a range of 210 km (130 miles) under the NEDC cycle. The batteries are leased by Renault to the owner of the electric car. Therefore the price of this car is a lot lower than other electric cars with a simular range.

The cost of leasing the battery starts from €79/month (price for a 36-month contract and a distance travelled of 12,500km/year), inclusive of comprehensive breakdown assistance (which covers flat batteries).

When the battery goes below 75% of intial charging capacity, Renault will replace it free of charge. The expected battery lifespan is, in normal conditions, between 8 to 10 years.

Autonomy

In the NEDC cycle, ZOE is homologated with a range of 210km (130 miles). In real conditions, for example, in suburban use, the owner will generally achieve around 100km (63 miles) in cold weather and 150km (94 miles) in temperate conditions. A good ecodriver should get around 180km (113 miles) on the highway. In terms of autonomy, Renault has developed the ‘Range OptimiZEr’, that combines three major innovations (new generation regenerative braking, a heat pump and Michelin EnergyTM E-V tyres). Due to this, the range of ZOE is the highest of the electric vehicles in mass production.



Side

Sound

Electric cars drive very silent and can suprise pedestrians and visual impaired as they approach. Therefore the Renault ZOE features Z.E. Voice, a function that warns pedestrians that the car is coming. Special design studies were carried out on Z.E. Voice, which can be heard at between 1 and 30 kph, in order to give the Renault ZOE its own sound identity. Drivers can choose between three different sounds or turn the function off simply by pressing a button.

Charging

ZOE is the only electric vehicle to feature 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 (fast charging) and nine hours (at home). 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.



Charging

Regenerative Braking

Instead of wasting braking energy into heat like a fossil fueled car, the Renault Zoe uses regenerative braking. During braking, the motor is used as generator which will slow the car down while charging the batteries of the car.

Energy Usage

A fully charged battery with a capacity of 22 kWh provides a range of 130 miles (NEDC). Therefore the consumption is 169 Wh / mile. The average US residential retail price for electricity in 2012 is $0.12 / kWh. The price per mile is 0,169 kWh x $0.12 = $0.020 or 2 dollar-cent per mile. A full battery load will cost 22 kWh x $0.12 = $2.64.

Specifications

Engine Power 80 kW Torque 220 Nm Top Speed 135 km/h (84 mph) Energy Usage (NEDC) 105 Wh/km (169 Wh/mile) Acceleration 0-50 km/h (0-31 mph) 4 s 0-80 km/h (0-50 mph) 8.6 s 0-100 km/h (0-63 mph) 13.5 s Battery Range (NEDC) 210 km (130 miles) Capacity 22 kWh Type Lithium-ion Voltage 400 V Modules / Cells 12 / 192 Weight 290 kg (639 lb) Charging Fast Charging (43kW) 30 min (80%) Public Charging (22 kW) 1 hour (80%) Public Charging (11 kW) 2 hours At Home – WallBox (230V 16A) 6-9 hours At Home (230V 10A) 10 hours Car Weight 1468 kg (3236 lb)

Design

The Renault Zoe is a five-door hatchback. Renault ZOE’s interior reflects its modern and ecological character.



Back

Trunk

In contrast with a lot of other electric cars the trunk has a lot of room. The batteries are fitted in the floor of the car and therfore do not take any space in the trunk.



Trunk

Internet connection

The car is fitted with a bluetooth connection which can be used to connect your phone. The Zoe is also equiped with a 2G internet data connection can be used for TomTom HD traffic information, application updates and remote control of heating/cooling systems via your smartphone. It is also possible to remotely monitor the charging status of the car. Ideal when your are charging on a public charging location and want to know when it’s time to walk back to the car.



Renault ZOE interior, source: http://www.ev-club.nl.

R-Link

The dashboard has floating Renault R-link central tablet. This tablet can be used to access all type of functions, ranging from how ecologic your drive was, motor and battery statistics, navigation, email and multimedia. R-link which is using an Android OS will have an appstore which can offer all type of additional applications.



Renault Zoe R-Link, source: http://www.ev-club.nl.

Availability

The car can be ordered since the start of Paris Motor Show 2012 on 29 september. The car will be delivered to the first customers in the end of the first quarter of 2013.

Video



Renault Zoe – Official Movie

Interesting Links

Renault Z.E. website

Renault ZE forum

Your Opinion

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More information

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