Thirty per cent more range for new Renault ZOE

Renault's third generation ZOE has a new 52 kWh battery which delivers a range of up to 242 miles (WLTP), which is an increase of around 30 per cent over the old 40 kWh pack.

There are also more recharging options, including the introduction of an optional direct current (DC) charger. 

The inside has a fully redesigned instrument panel and dashboard for improved comfort.

The 10-inch TFT instrument cluster contains the main driving information including an eco-meter that encourages eco-friendly driving habits. 

On Iconic models there is 100 percent recycled seat upholstery. Using the traditional process of carded yarn manufacturing, which creates a quality material "without melting" or chemical transformation, this fabric is made from safety belt scrap and plastic waste (PET) materials. This innovation is a first for the automotive industry, its sourcing and short-loop manufacture helping reducing CO² emissions by over 60 percent compared to more traditional materials.

The new ZOE is capable of fast direct current (DC) charging, in addition to the alternating current charging (AC) options already available at home or on the street.

Despite the increase in range and capacity, the battery has not increased in size physically, meaning no loss of interior space and practicality. Another benefit of Z.E. 50 is its ability to deliver more performance from the new R135 motor.

There is a simplified optional Combo charging plug. Located behind the Renault diamond logo charging hatch, the new Combo plug (CCS) is slightly larger than the previous plug and consists of both a European standard socket and a two-pin connector for DC charging. The central location of the socket makes charging even easier, especially on public charging stations which have their own cable.

Thanks to this Combo plug, the New ZOE is able to charge quickly with a direct current (DC) up to 50 kW, simply by inserting the charging cable attached to the terminal into the two-pin connector that’s sited below the type-2 socket.

The standard type-2 cable provided with the car and the Caméléon charger are used for everyday AC charging use, such as at home with a Wallbox, at work, in the car park or on public roads using anything up to a 22kW supply.

When using a 7kW Wallbox the New ZOE can charge from 0 to 100 percent in 9 hours and 25 minutes. 

Users charging their vehicle at home can also benefit from the programming options, adjusting their recharge to correspond with tariff fluctuations from their electricity supplier.

Plugging the ZOE into a public 22kW roadside charger can deliver a 78 miles of range in only one hour.

However, the fastest recharge times are achieved with the new 50kW DC charging option, which can achieve around 90 miles of range half an hour.