Renault ZOE

Introduction

The Renault ZOE, first launched in 2012, is a fully electric hatchback that quickly became one of Europe’s best-selling electric cars. It was designed to provide affordable, practical, and eco-friendly mobility for urban and suburban drivers. The ZOE played a key role in making electric vehicles more mainstream and accessible in the European market.

Exterior

The Renault ZOE features a modern, compact hatchback design with smooth lines, LED daytime running lights, and a distinctive Renault badge that doubles as the charging port cover. Its aerodynamic shape helps maximize efficiency, while large windows provide excellent visibility. Later models received refreshed styling with sharper headlights, new alloy wheels, and bolder detailing.

Interior

Inside, the ZOE offers a bright and practical cabin with seating for up to five passengers. The dashboard is cleanly designed, featuring a digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity. High trims add premium features like leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and larger screens. Despite its compact size, the ZOE provides good headroom and foldable rear seats for added cargo space.

Safety Features

The Renault ZOE has been equipped with a range of safety systems. Standard features include airbags, ABS brakes, and electronic stability control. Later models add advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), such as lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, and automatic emergency braking. The ZOE achieved solid safety ratings in European crash tests.

Engine Trims

As a pure electric vehicle, the ZOE comes with different electric motor and battery configurations depending on the version. Early models used a 22 kWh battery with around 210 km of range, while newer versions feature 40 kWh and 52 kWh batteries, offering up to 395 km of range (WLTP). Power outputs range from 88 hp to 135 hp, with smooth single-speed transmission.

Maintenance

Maintenance for the ZOE is simpler than traditional cars, as it lacks an internal combustion engine. Key maintenance tasks include battery health checks, brake servicing, tire care, and software updates. Renault provides specific EV servicing, and the lower number of moving parts reduces long-term running costs.

Competitors

The Renault ZOE competes with small EVs like the Nissan Leaf, Peugeot e-208, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Volkswagen ID.3. Its strong points are affordability, practicality, and Renault’s early leadership in the electric vehicle market, making it a favorite among city EV buyers.