Renault gives EVs to French town

Renault is helping create a 100% electric town by giving every household in the French town Appy a new Zoe EV to drive for three years.

Appy, in the Ariege region in the south of France, is one of the most isolated towns in the country and has a population around 25 (2017).

Renault says the town’s isolation shouldn’t be an obstacle as the new Zoe’s 390km range and broad charging capabilities will help demonstrate that using electric cars is not just for city dwellers.

All households in Appy who receive a new Zoe will be provided with a home charger, and there’ll be a public charger for the town.

When plugged in to a DC charger, the Zoe’s 52kWh battery can be charged to 144km range in 30 minutes.

Appy residents who run the Zoes for three years will share their impressions and experiences with Renault, in a scheme designed to help the carmaker understand the way customers interact with and use EVs day-to-day.

The thinking is that If the inhabitants of one of France’s most isolated towns can adopt an electric way of life, anyone can.