Living with the Renault ZOE
Review by Jacob Lerklint
The 2021 Renault ZOE ZE R135 52kwh is the newest interpretation of the model. A bigger battery, different styling and new technology is some of the news you can expect. The original Renault ZOE first saw the day in late 2012 and has since been the most sold EV in Europe, the Tesla model 3 just surpassed it in sales.
I was a bit worried that the ZOE would be dull to drive, the only EV’s I’ve driven before has either been performance models or luxury grand tourers, so this is a bit different. I have to say, just after a couple of hours driving it my first impression were positive, the ZOE feels solid and rides better than I thought. In terms of handling and quickness it actually becomes nippy in town and reasonable quick during overtakes. Since being an EV it’s much faster than lets say a similar sized fossil car, even though it weighs over 1600kgs. It’s not built for speed (obviously) but you won’t be too disappointed. I wouldn’t say it’s a car to take through your favorite twisty road but if you must, it will do the job.
Older ZOE’s hasn’t been lookers in any regards but this new one looks decent, especially in this “Flame red” color. Glad they got rid of the blue inserts in the taillights. Those looked horrendous. The new ZOE isn’t a cheap car by any means, the fully loaded press car we are driving costs almost 400k SEK (excluding the government grant). Of course no one buys their car outright anymore so of course there’s some decent lease and finance deals.
Finally the ZOE has been fitted with CCS so you can “fast charge” with speeds up to 50kw. Unfortunately the CCS plug is an option, that should definitely have been standard equipment. The technology is plenty with the ZOE, heated steering wheel, wireless charging for your phone, large infotainment screens (although not the most intuitive system). You also get an app where you can set pre heating schedules which is a must in the winter if you want a decent range.
The ZOE has been criticized for not having an auto emergency braking assist, but for late 2020 models it’s been fitted. I also would have liked to have seen an adaptive cruise control. There is a lane change assist fitted but it just bounces between the lanes, not the most confident inspiring thing. The comfort of the ZOE is pretty good, sufficient space for 4 adults. Rear legroom could have been a little better though. Suspension is soft and takes bumps with an ease, however you do feel the weight. Steering is super light, so for a daily car it is perfect. A big complain with the Zoe has been the adjustment in the seats, and I have to agree, not being able to adjust the seat up and down can be a problem if you’re a tall person. No armrests is also quite annoying.
During the week I had the ZOE I covered 800km with an average consumption of 151wh/km, which is quite efficient. The weather was pretty dreary with temperatures under 10 degrees celsius and wet asphalt which made the range a bit lower. I did not get close to the 395 WLTP but that is not to be expected in this time a year in nordic climates. The latest iteration of the Renault ZOE is better than ever, not perfect in any means but it’s more efficient, it has more power and more technology. But, the most important upgrade is the greater distance you can travel between charge stops. Range anxiety who?
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