Govt. spark lets cute Zoe glow

This story first appeared in the May issue of EVTalk – CLICK HERE to download the magazine FREE

When transport minister Simon Bridges presented New Zealand with a host of incentives around plug-in vehicles this week, it gave the EV fraternity here a much-needed boost.

At a point where the only full-electric car that was available at a manufacturer warrantied, retail level in NZ had been taken off sale, EV tragics could have been easily forgiven for feeling a bit deserted.

But with a solid line-up of electric cars set to go on sale in the coming months – including the hyper-cute little Renault Zoe – the future is looking quite bright.

The Zoe is a perfect little example of what makes electric cars useful – zippy, frugal and useful around town, the French compact is a marketer’s wet dream.

It’ll line up alongside vehicles like the VW e-Golf, which will arrive in the last quarter of this year, and bring its commercial stablemate, the Kangoo van, along for the ride.

The cool thing about driving electric vehicles is that most of whatever the magic electric box makes hits the ground as soon as you touch the accelerator.

Nearly all torque is there, on-tap, whenever you want it – which is why it’s hard to beat something so little and quick as a round-town car.

Kiwis will get one flavour of Zoe only – called Zen in some markets – for $74,990. It’s a big number when you consider the petrol-powered equivalents from the same manufacturer, but in the wider scheme of things isn’t a particularly hefty sum.

For starters, the money that you’d usually pour into the gas tank and attack the planet with is unnecessary. Think about how much you’d spend on fuel in a year, burned to atmosphere, whereby anything you spend on an EV purchase is essentially kept in the car.

European Union subsidies make it a cheaper option on the continent than on a little dot in the great ocean – but Euro buyers are also getting everything except the batteries. Renault’s powerpacks are essentially leased to buyers, so if anything goes wrong, the techo guys rip it out, replace it, and you’re on your way.

So we get the batteries here – but the Zoe spec sheet pushes out a bit further than that. A big plus is the bundled navigation system, which runs through a touch screen fronting a full media system, BlueTooth streaming and all other expect bells and whistles. Standard spec also includes slick 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights and wipers and cruise control.

Usually only applied to less-attractive vehicles, the old adage “it’s what’s on the inside that counts” rings true here as well. The interior is very on-trend in terms of consumer electronics-inspired design. Shapes and surfaces all have a familiar look and nicely tactile feel.

Those with oil under their nails are quick to dismiss EVs’ power specifications – but only because the numbers aren’t as relatable as say a six-litre V12’ is.

Front driven by a 65kW, 220Nm electric motor, Zoe’s about a fifth down on power from the Nissan Leaf – but it’s also got 25% less junk in the trunk.

The 22kWh battery gives Zoe a decent range of around 220km – more than enough for most that don’t venture too deeply into gumboot country.

Zoe is charged with a ‘type 2’ connection, hidden away behind the Renault shield on the front of the car. This style of connection isn’t exactly common at public charge stations here, but private infrastructure provider ChargeNet says it’s looking to add support for type 2 at all of its sites. Renault does sell an adapter that stops it being any real issue.

To power up the Zoe a 22kW fast charger will take roughly an hour, but if you’re plugging it in your garage, will take up to nine hours. Just don’t forget to plug the chest freezer back in.

To drive Zoe is a doddle – everything is as it would be in a conventional car. Controls are tight and positive feeling and seating position is excellent. A superlight steering rack makes the car feel a lot more nimble than the 1460kg it is – but a good slice of that weight is battery, and as that’s placed low it means a good centre of gravity and a very balanced feel.

Zoe’s a great option in a market of limited, very limited choice. But that said, even when VW and others have turned up with their toys, it’s unlikely that Zoe would ever be a poor choice – she’s a wee charmer that definitely stole some hearts at EVtalk HQ.