The Renault Zoe Electric Hatchback: The Complete Guide For India

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Electric Cars: The Basics

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For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:

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The Renault ZOE Electric Hatchback

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Groupe Renault (Renault Group), is a leading player in the global automotive sector. Renault is now part of the global Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance. The partnership makes these companies the 3rd largest automotive group in the world after Volkswagen and Toyota. Renault is headquartered in France.

Renault has been an early mover in the zero-emission electric driving sector and has established a leading position. The automotive manufacturer offers a number of well known battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), to include:

• All-electric TWIZY
• All-electric ZOE E-TECH
• All-electric ZOE Van E-TECH
• All-electric Kangoo E-TECH
• All-electric Master E-TECH
• Captur E-TECH Plug-In Hybrid
• Megane E-TECH Plug-In Hybrid
• Megane Sport Tourer E-TECH Plug-In Hybrid

The all-electric Renault ZOE was first shown at the Geneva Motor Show in 2012, with deliveries commencing in the French market in December 2012. Since then, the ZOE EV has been a success for the French automotive behemoth, Renault.

It has ranked as one of the best-selling top 10 electric cars globally in 2015 and 2016 and also been a top selling EV in Europe for the same years. In 2018, the ZOE won the ‘Best Green Car‘ at the inaugural FirstCar awards. In 2021, WHAT CAR? awarded the pure electric car, the prestigious accolade ‘Car of the Year 2021: small electric car best value’. According to Renault, more than 150,000 ZOE EVs have been sold across Europe over the past six years.

The Zoe electric car is available in only one EV battery size (52 kW), with a WLTP emission-free electric range up to 383 km on a full charge. The EV is positioned primarily for urban driving, but given its range, is also useful for motorway trips.

Of course, the real-world electric range will be lower than the quoted range. For those new to electric driving, it is worth noting that the real-world EV range is influenced by a number of factors.

Some include: driving profile, weather conditions, road conditions, passenger load and regenerative braking profile! For the Zoe electric hatchback, expect a real-world e-range closer to 320 km. Sufficient electric range for most day-to-day driving needs and also motorway trips.

The manufacturer also offers a 3-phase 22 kW AC onboard charger as standard. However, as most homes in India are limited to single-phase power supply, taking advantage of the 11 kW charging speed will only be for those with access to 3-phase EV charging at home, workplace or a public charging station.

Using a dedicated three-phase EV charger, like the 22 kW easee EV charger, the Zoe electric car can be fully charged in 3 hours. Charging at 11 kW, the EV will take up to 6 hours to fully charge. Single-phase 7.4 kW charging will take longer: 9 hours and 30 minutes. We at e-zoomed recommend charging overnight at home, when the electricity tariff rates are cheaper. We also encourage using solar energy to charge an electric car.

We discourage the use of a 3-PIN domestic plug for charging an electric car. It would take up to 32 hours to charge the EV. We also encourage charging on a regular basis. This way, there is always available ‘electric miles’ and regular charging is good for the long-term maintenance of the onboard EV battery. Renault offers a 8 years or 160,000 km warranty.

The EV can be rapid fast charged up to 50 kW DC. Not the fastest, nor the slowest. But given the EV battery size, it is appropriate. The EV can be charged from 10%-80% state-of-charge (SOC) in 70 minutes.

In terms of performance, the front-wheel drive (FWD) ZOE R135 can deliver 0-100 km/h in 9.5 seconds. The electric car delivers a maximum power up to 135 hp and 245 Nm torque. The top speed of the EV is 140 km/h. Of course, the EV also benefits from instant torque.

The Zoe E-TECH electric car offers 12 advanced assistance systems, to include: regenerative braking, electronic stability control, cruise control/speed limiter, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, hill start assist, traffic signal recognition, lane keeping assist, blind spot warning, front and rear parking sensors, side parking sensors and hands-free parking.

The EV also incorporates a 10″ digital cluster and a 9.3″ central screen that provides real-time updated navigation information with TomTom. The 5-door Zoe offers decent practicality for rear seat passengers and offer a 338 L boot.

Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet! The Renault Zoe electric car is not available in India.

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PROS	CONS
Affordable and practical city electric car	Not as compelling a proposition as some alternative compact EVs
22 kW AC onboard charger as standard	Reliability assessment poor in the 2020 What Car? reliability survey. Awarded Zero-Star for NCAP safety rating assessment
Decent electric range	Headroom and legroom for rear seats limited

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The All-Electric Renault ZOE Hatchback (credit: Renault)

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At A Glance
EV Type:	Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Body Type:	Hatchback
Engine:	Electric
Available In India:	No

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Trims (1 Option)
Renault ZOE (Rs N/A)

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EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:	Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:	Available in one battery size: 52 kWh
Charging:	50 kW Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 1 hrs 10 mins). Onboard charger: 22 kW AC (0%-100%: 3 hrs)
Charge Port:	Type 2
EV Cable Type:	Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:	0g (CO2/km)
Battery Warranty:	8 years or 160,000 km

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Charging Times (Overview)
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW):	6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC)
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW):	3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging AC (43 kW):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+):	0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW):	0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)

• Note 1: SoC: state of charge

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Dimensions
Height (mm):	1562
Width (mm):	1730
Length (mm):	4087
Wheelbase (mm):	2588
Turning Circle (m):	10.56
Boot Space (L):	338

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ZOE R135
EV Battery Capacity:	52 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	383 km
Charging:	50 kW Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 1 hrs 10 mins). Onboard charger: 22 kW AC (0%-100%: 3 hrs)
Top Speed:	140 km/h
0-100 km/h:	9.5 seconds
Drive:	Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	100
Max Power (hp):	135
Torque (Nm):	245
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Kerb Weight (kg):	1,502-1,563
Colours:	8
NCAP Safety Rating:	Zero-Star

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India Electric Vehicle (EV) Market

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India, like many other countries, is well positioned to benefit from the shift to zero-tailpipe emission electric driving. Road transportation is a major contributor to air pollution (over 30%), choking our towns, cities and villages across India.

Diesel vehicles, in particular, diesel trucks and diesel buses, are significant sources for tailpipe emissions. But given the rise in the standard of living, since liberalisation, the demand for privately owned passenger cars has increased at an unprecedented pace, further worsening the air quality. India has more than 3 crores (30 million) cars releasing tailpipe emissions on its roads!

Though we have seen some improvements in air quality during the ongoing pandemic (as a result of lower vehicle traffic), India’s shift to electric driving will be key in achieving long-term higher air quality.

Of course, apart from EVs, the continued development of green and renewable energy infrastructure will be key in achieving lower long-term air pollution. India has already demonstrated global leadership in regards to large-scale solar and wind projects! Hopefully, India will replicate the success with zero-emission electric vehicles.

Despite recent announcements and support from local and national government agencies in India, the EV market is still at a nascent stage, well, at least in terms of electric cars and electric vans. Two-wheel electric scooters and three-wheel electric rickshaws (e-rickshaws) have demonstrated a strong uptake, and India is poised to become a global leader in electric scooters and electric rickshaws (e-tuk).

In fact, the ubiquitous e-rickshaw commands an impressive 83% of the Indian electric vehicle market. India currently has over 15 lakhs (1.5 million) e-rickshaws, with each EV playing a role in reducing tailpipe emissions on our roads in India.

Sales of passenger electric cars is still at an early stage. In FY2021, though the market witnessed a growth of nearly 110% from the previous year, the absolute volume of cars sold was only 5,905 electric cars. Currently there are less that 15 pure electric car models available on sale in India.

Tata Motors, the biggest automotive manufacturer in India has launched the Tata Nexon electric SUV. Mahindra Electric, another leading Indian automotive manufacturer, has also launched a number of plug-in electric vehicles (EVs), to include, the Mahindra eVerito electric car, Mahindra eSupro electric van and Mahindra e2o Plus compact electric car.

International manufacturers, like UK based MG Motors, have also launched the MG ZS electric SUV in India. Also available are the all-electric Jaguar I-PACE SUV and the Hyundai Kona electric SUV.

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Types Of Electric Vehicles (EVs)

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“Electric vehicle” is an umbrella term, and a broad one at that. There are a number of different types of electric vehicles (EVs), each with its distinct characteristics and advantages. These include:

• BEVs: Battery-electric vehicles (pure electric)
• PHEVs: Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) combined)
• MHEVs: Mild hybrid electric vehicles (internal combustion engine (gasoline or diesel) along with regenerative braking)
• FCEVs: Fuel cell electric vehicle (electric with hydrogen as fuel)

The above “types” are powered either entirely or partially by electric energy and have different environmental impacts.

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Battery-Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

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Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), also known as pure electric vehicles, are powered entirely by electricity (i.e. the vehicle does not have a conventional internal combustion engine). BEVs have zero-tailpipe emissions and help improve local air quality.

BEVs are also very economical to drive. A BEV can cost as little as Rs 50 per 100 kilometres to drive. Examples of best-selling EVs include, the all-electric Tesla Model 3 and the all-electric Renault Zoe. A BEV is charged by plugging in the electric vehicle to a dedicated electric car charging station (home or public charging stations). BEVs are well suited for those living in towns, cities and urban centres. Of course, battery-electric vehicles are also suitable for those living in rural settings.

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Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

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Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) differ from battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), in that, PHEVs use both a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric engine for propulsion. Plug-in hybrid vehicles combine the advantages of electric driving and internal combustion engine driving.

On shorter distances, the PHEV uses the electric mode to drive emission-free, using the on-board EV battery and regenerative braking. For longer distances, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicles switches to using the internal combustion engine.

With a PHEV, the vehicle can cost as little Rs 50 per 100 kilometres to drive on e-mode, without any tailpipe pollution, and also be driven long-distances, without the fear of range anxiety! Most PHEVs have an EV battery of up to 15 kWh and can achieve a zero-emission electric range of up to 50 kilometres. No wonder PHEVs are fast becoming popular globally, with much potential or India. Like a BEV, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is charged by using an external power source (EV charging point) for charging.

PHEVs are suitable for those that drive long-distances on a regular basis but want to lower the negative environmental impact from tailpipe pollution. PHEVs are also suitable for those individuals and families that are seeking to save money by taking advantage of electric driving. The Volvo XC40 PHEV and the Volkswagen Golf 8 are good examples of PHEVs.

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Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs)

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Mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs) are a limited form of electric driving. These vehicles also use hybrid technologies (electric driving and internal combustion engine), but the EV battery is much smaller than a BEV or PHEV.

Moreover, in a mild hybrid, the EV battery cannot be charged via an external source (i.e. EV charging station). In a MHEV, the battery is charged by capturing the energy released during braking, a process known as regenerative braking. MHEVs have lower tailpipe emissions, and are more economical to own, run and maintain than petrol and diesel cars.

MHEVs are a better option than a petrol or diesel car, but not as good an option as a BEV or PHEV. Mild hybrids are well suited for those living in regions with limited charging infrastructure. Again, MHEVs have great potential in India, given the limited public EV charging infrastructure.

The Toyota Prius is a good example of a mild hybrid electric vehicle.

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Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)

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Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) also called hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, have a fuel cell stack that uses hydrogen to generate the electricity needed to power the electric vehicle. The fuel cell generates electricity and pure water vapour that can escape via the tailpipe.

It is capable of generating electricity as long as there is a steady supply of hydrogen. Fuel cell electric vehicles can be refuelled with hydrogen at purpose built filling stations. Filling an FEC takes no more than five minutes.

FCEVs have a range of about 500 kilometers or more between refueling. Today, the only and major limitation is the very limited hydrogen refuelling station network globally. The Toyota Mirai FCEV is a good example of this type of EV.

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While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.

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