Renault is celebrating a decade of the Renault Zoe enabling thousands of UK car buyers to switch to an all-electric car, enhancing customers’ driving experiences and helping to improve the country’s air quality.
On its launch in 2013, and while electrification was still an afterthought for many manufacturers, the zero-emissions-in-use Zoe allowed customers to be amongst the UK’s earliest adopters of a fully electric vehicle.
Building on its status as one of the first usable and widely accessible electric vehicles to be available on these shores, Zoe has gone from strength-to-strength, with almost 30,000 vehicles sold over the last 10 years. Customers have enjoyed all the practicality of a five-door supermini together with the lower running costs and environmental benefits of an EV.
The UK’s love for the multi-award-winning hatchback has also made a significant contribution to the incredible popularity of the Zoe throughout Europe. It is the top-selling electric car in Europe over the past decade, with almost 380,000 units sold by the end of May 2022.
Of the near 30,000 sold in the UK, nearly 50% were ordered in the top trim level, while the majority were also specified in white. Retail customers have accounted for 51% of sales, while 45% can be attributed to core fleet purchases – the Zoe hitting the mark with cost-conscious and environmentally-focused businesses. Geographically, Zoe has been most popular with customers in Greater London.*
2020 was the most popular year for Zoe in the UK, with a total of 6,384 sold – well over double the previous year’s figure of 2,383. Tellingly, this came in the year that the third-generation of the Zoe went on sale, offering a class-leading range, improved charging and equipment, and a powerful 52 kWh Z.E 50 battery that boasted a 32% increase in capacity compared to the previous version.
The arrival of the versatile third-generation version perfectly illustrates how Renault has evolved the Zoe to meet the changing requirements of drivers and to deliver the very best electric vehicle experience. This commitment has also been recognised with a huge haul of industry awards, with over 20 coveted titles won in the last four years alone.
The current Zoe – the Zoe E-Tech 100% Electric – can achieve up to 238 miles (WLTP) on a single charge. Its ability to charge on AC at 22kW means 90 miles of driving range can be added in just 30 minutes, while using rapid 50kW DC charging on the boost charge versions allows up to 80% charge from flat in only 70 minutes. Available in a choice of Techno and Iconic trim, the Zoe E-Tech 100% Electric is priced from £29,995 OTR.
Its award-winning success has paved the way for Renault’s comprehensive range of electrified models, from the innovative full hybrid Arkana, Austral and Clio, to the Megane E-Tech 100% electric and the recently-unveiled Scenic E-Tech 100% electric.
As for the Zoe E-Tech 100% Electric, it is now destined to pass the all-electric supermini baton to the forthcoming Renault 5, scheduled to go on sale in 2024. As previewed by the award-winning Renault 5 Prototype, the forthcoming Renault 5 takes styling cues from the original and brings them up to date for a contemporary silhouette. The extended rear wheel arches and daytime running lights – both echoing the sporting look of the Renault 5 Turbo – hint at the new model’s playful side, while a modern approach is evident in the choice of finishes and materials, matched by its all-electric powertrain.
