Renault ZOE Electric Vehicle Test Drive

Renault ZOE Preview provides a realistic glimpse of the forthcoming mass-market Renault electric car of the same name. This Clio-sized car features Renault’s new brand identity, including the new front-end signature.

The vehicle on display at the 2010 Paris Motor Show is a near-definitive representation (90 per cent) of the vehicle that will be manufactured at Renault’s Flins plant, France. Its launch is scheduled for 2012.

ZOE Preview is evidence that “zero-emission” cars can combine sensuous, reassuring, sculpted styling with the promise of real driving enjoyment.The forward position of its windscreen and the teardrop form of its rear end emphasise the impression of fluidity, while its specific electric-car architecture permit a blunt bonnet and an intake-free front-end which contribute to its compact footprint and efficient aerodynamics.

It stands at just 4.10 metres in length and is powered by a 60kW (80hp) motor with torque of 222Nm that enables it to zip silently through city traffic. ZOE Preview is also ideal for out-of-town journeys thanks to its 19-inch wheels and reassuring, profiled flanks.

Renault ZOE Preview’s battery can be charged in one of three ways: standard charge (between 6 and 8 hours depending on the available electric power), quick charge (37 miles range in less than 10 minutes or 80% battery capacity in 30 minutes) or “quickdrop” (a 3-minute battery exchange).

Renault.