"Gee, it's so pretty, but is it electric?" "Where can you buy it?" "Jst bi ga kr mela..." these are just some of the questions and statements we received while driving the electric ZOE through the streets of our capital, where young and old turned to follow it. Partly because they didn't know which Renault model it was, partly because they didn't hear him whizzing by...
In terms of dimensions, spaciousness and comfort, the ZOE is a true C-segment hatchback, with slightly higher entry and seating. Above all, it's easy, it replaces a model such as the Megane. The design alone tells us that it is something special, because the aerodynamics are very good, and everything is done in favor of the smallest possible loss of propulsion. In comparison with BMW i3, which we also recently tested, the ZOE is indeed more "folk", that is, less futuristic and with a less advanced structure and equipment, but in essence it is a very similar matter. Namely, both at a length of just over four meters (4 - 4.1 meters) offer space for up to five people, a one-room design and arrangement, and a concrete trunk.
The ZOE is powered by a 65 kW synchronous electric motor that develops 220 Nm, and draws energy from 22 kW/h lithium-ion batteries. This is enough for 210 km with a single battery charge, but only under ideal driving conditions, and it is more realistic to expect a range of around 150 km. Emissions are always zero, and the ride itself is also very inaudible, where passengers are accompanied in the passenger cabin only by a typical "whistling", but everything is so quiet outside that on some narrow street you will even have to encourage the cyclist to pull over with a horn. The charging itself is also advanced, where the system named "Cameleon" makes it possible charging right through each socket, depending on the voltage of this one, however the cycle lasts from 30 minutes to nine hours. Thus, at high voltage, it is enough to stop for a coffee, but it is true that we can count such charging stations on the fingers of one hand.
The interior is just as modern as the exterior, but nevertheless typical of this brand, and you can quickly and easily draw some similarities with current Renault models. She is one of those seven inches central screen and the climate control keyboard below it, which we have already seen on clio and captur, the same also applies to the steering wheel, handles and quite a few other switches and little things. However, the ZOE got different front seats, where the backrest is made of one piece, fabric but it works as if it were from recycled material, the gear lever of the automatic is also futuristic CVT gearbox.
The gauges in front of the driver are expected to be fully digital given the technological advancement of the vehicle, and on them, or on the central screen, a lot of useful information for the driver is printed on the manner and economy of his driving. ZOE achieves maximum speed of 135 km/h, v the ECO regime however, the system limits the power of the engine to only half and reduces the power of the electric consumers, with which the vehicle only reaches a speed of 90 km/h, but in this way it is possible range increase by additional 18 kilometers.
The story becomes even more interesting when we start the chapter on prices. These start at 14,500 euros, as much as the ZOE costs with the basic (but still above average rich) life equipment package. followed by two richer packages: zen and intense, which are valued at 16,300 euros. This is not the end of the story, as the customer must pay every month thereafter also pay for the rental of batteries namely 79 euros, with which the brand guarantees him complete peace of mind regarding the operation of the batteries, as they will be replaced free of charge at the next service if a drop in power is detected.
Thus, we calculated that the buyer of the ZOE must add just under three thousand euros (2,844 euros) to the basic price for three years of ownership, 4,740 euros for five years, and so on. If we take into account that a well-equipped diesel Megane costs around 20,000 euros, the prices of the Bavarian i3 only start at 35,000 euros.
If it differs the most from the previously mentioned i3 in terms of price, this does not apply to the equipment, where even the ZOE, regardless of the electric drive, offers all the desired comfort and equipment, including cruise control, a smart card, factory navigation, bluetooth and parking camera.
If you have almost turned into the nearest Renault showroom, let us tell you that you have yet to set off at the end of the first quarter of the next year, when the ZOE, together with the other two electric cars, should finally enter our market.
