Renault Zoe Review

Electrifying.com score

7/10

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Price: £30,495

It might be one of the least expensive electric cars, but the Renault Zoe is a solid little hatchback with a long driving range and some decent tech. We worry about the crash safety rating though.

Watch Tom's video review on our YouTube channel here

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  • Battery size: 52kWh
  • Miles per kWh: 4.60
  • E-Rating™: A

    Click here to find out more about our electric car Efficiency Rating.​

  • Max charge rate: 22 kW
  • Range: 238-239 miles
Play

  • Battery size: 52kWh
  • Miles per kWh: 4.60
  • E-Rating™: A

    Click here to find out more about our electric car Efficiency Rating.​

  • Max charge rate: 22 kW
  • Range: 238-239 miles
  • Electrifying.com E-Rating A

Ginny Says

“The second generation Zoe has fixed the bits that needed fixing like the interior. But it's annoying that you need to pay extra for the tech you need to fast charge, and the shocking safety scores means I'd think twice before buying a Zoe as a family car.”

Tom Says

“One of the original players in the game, the Zoe was still one of the most appealing. But the recent downgrade in its safety tech, together with poor performance in crash testing, mean it's no longer a car we can recommend.”


Constant updates mean the Renault Zoe now has a range to rival some of the most expensive electric cars – and rapid charging is now standard. 

  • Range:238-239 miles
  • Battery:52kW
  • Home/Public charger (7kW) :9 hrs
  • Fast charging 20-80% (50kW):50 mins
  • Ultra Fast Charging (Supercharging) 20-80% (150kW):50 mins
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Range

It might be a small car, but the Renault Zoe’s new bigger battery means it has the capacity to venture out of town and take on bigger journeys. We think 200 miles should be comfortable to achieve without too much effort and 245 miles could be possible if you drive gently and the weather is mild. This is important as the heater and air conditioning sap battery power in extreme temperatures.

Perhaps more importantly, the Zoe’s extra range could be used by drivers who don’t have off-street parking. One charge a week at a supermarket or service station could see them through for seven days of motoring with no petrol.

Battery

The latest version of the Zoe has seen the battery grow in capacity to 52kWh thanks to some clever new chemistry – that’s 25% more capacity than the old model, despite it being physically exactly the same size as before. That might be about half the size of a big Tesla’s powerpack, but the Zoe is a much smaller and lighter car, so its range is still very respectable. 

Like most electric cars, the battery is located under the floor to lower the centre of gravity and keep it safe. It means the Zoe feels roomier than rivals which are converted from petrol cars and have compromised passenger or boot space as a result.  

Charging

Topping up the batteries in a Zoe couldn’t be simpler – but there aren’t many options available compared to most rivals. Most customers will be expected to use the commonly available home, work or public points which can charge at anything between 3 and 22kW using an AC feed from the mains. 

The top version of the Zoe, called GT Line+ – and the only model available as of Summer 2022 – also has the option to use a 50kW DC rapid charger through a CCS plug. It allows you to get an extra 90 miles or so of range in 30 minutes from a service station charger.

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