{"id":6967,"date":"2020-08-12T21:11:42","date_gmt":"2020-08-12T19:11:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/?p=6967"},"modified":"2020-08-12T21:11:42","modified_gmt":"2020-08-12T19:11:42","slug":"renault-zoe-gt-line","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/2020\/08\/12\/renault-zoe-gt-line\/","title":{"rendered":"Renault Zoe GT Line R135 Z.E 50"},"content":{"rendered":"

Richard Gooding finds subtly evolved looks and an upgraded interior enables the Renault Zoe to enter a more upmarket phase, without sacrificing the driving, range and practicality benefits that have become its hallmarks<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

What is it?<\/strong><\/span>
\nFirst unveiled as a concept in 2009, the Zoe has spearheaded Renault\u2019s electric vehicle push. A car similar in size to the Clio supermini, the first \u2018ZE\u2019 production version appeared in 2012 with a 22kWh battery and a range of 130 miles. Constant refinements introduced \u2018Z.E 40\u2019 41kWh and \u2018Z.E 50\u2019 52kWh versions in 2016 and 2019 respectively. Now capable of up to 245 miles on the WLTP test cycle in 2020, the \u2018Z.E 50\u2019 battery is fitted to all new Zoes, with a choice of carried over 107bhp \u2018R110\u2019 and new 133bhp \u2018R135\u2019 electric motors. Frequently topping electric car best sellers lists, the Zoe has won a host of awards over its lifetime, and Renault was named the GreenFleet Electric Vehicle Manufacturer of the Year in 2019.<\/span><\/p>\n

How does it drive?<\/strong><\/span>
\nOn first acquaintance, little appears to have changed with the latest Zoe. However, look a little more carefully, and changes become apparent. While the appearance isn\u2019t radically different \u2013 why risk damaging sales \u2013 new front and rear lights give a more \u2018confident\u2019 and aggressive look, and the overall impression is one of subtle assertiveness. Mild it may be, but the freshening up works.<\/span><\/p>\n

Inside, the changes are more far-reaching. Long overdue, a new dashboard and more upmarket materials impart an almost-premium air, making the new Zoe\u2019s cabin leagues ahead of the old car\u2019s. All the touchpoints \u2013 steering wheel, steering column stalks and air conditioning controls \u2013 are of a high quality, and the new \u2018toggle\u2019 switches below the portrait-orientated touchscreen are nice additions. The 10-inch digital driver display adds a high-tech feel, too, and is easy to use, with smooth transitions and shortcut buttons for different functions.<\/span><\/p>\n

In common with all electric cars, one the move the new Zoe is serenely quiet and acceleration is brisk. There\u2019s barely any road noise, which again points to improved quality, and the damping is very well-judged, feeling firm but still very comfortable. The new Zoe feels nimble and has quick steering, making for a fun driving experience. The car can be driven in an enthusiastic manner, the regenerative braking \u2018B\u2019 mode really aiding moving retardation.<\/span><\/p>\n

The \u2018B\u2019 mode contrasts markedly with the standard \u2018D\u2019 driving mode. It noticeably slows the car down to an almost stop at junctions and makes for easy \u2018one pedal\u2019 driving. There is only one stage of regeneration, though, and no steering wheel paddles that would enable more control. An \u2018Eco\u2019 driving mode also helps eke out range, by minimising the car\u2019s performance and air conditioning operation.<\/span><\/p>\n

What range does it have?<\/strong><\/span>
\nAs before, the new Zoe employs lithium-ion technology for its battery, but its capacity has grown to 52kWh. That\u2019s 25 per cent more energy than its predecessor, which pushes range to almost 250 miles on lower-specification models. Top GT Line trim cars, as tested here, have an official range of 238 miles on the WLTP cycle. Features such as a heat pump and the extra regeneration mode help enable maximum efficiency. The car\u2019s dual personality as a long range cruiser and eager city zipper remains intact.<\/span><\/p>\n

How long does it take to charge?<\/strong><\/span>
\nRenault has used its on-board \u2018Chameleon Charger\u2019 technology once more on the new Zoe. This means that the new Zoe is compatible with various power sockets and sources. The most convenient way to charge is at home, and a 7kW wallbox can fully recharge the new Zoe\u2019s battery in nine to 10 hours. Renault currently offers a home 7kW wallbox to new Zoe drivers via its charging partner, BP Chargemaster, subject to terms and conditions. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The car can also be recharged at one of the 11,000 nationwide public charging points, and a 22kW charger can refill the battery in as little as three hours. The new Zoe also supports DC charging for the first time, and 50kW rapid chargers can put in 80 per cent of charge in just one hour and 10 minutes. Thirty minutes\u2019 charging at the same point can add 90 miles. To help find the nearest charge point, Renault\u2019s Easy Link navigation system can be used in the car itself, or the My Renault smartphone app can also be used to find charge points along a given route.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, there is one word of caution. At the time of writing, the 50kW rapid charging function is a \u00a31,000 option on Iconic and GT Line-specification Zoes. It\u2019s something that we think should be standard. Renault has introduced new \u2018Rapid Charge\u2019 versions for \u00a31,000 more with the rapid charge functionality as standard, and they would be the new Zoes we\u2019d choose. The extra peace of mind that the car can be charged at a motorway service station for example, is worth the price bump.<\/span><\/p>\n

What does it cost?<\/strong><\/span>
\nThe Zoe is available in three trim levels and unlike previous Zoes, the new car is only available to buy with the battery, the battery rental option dropped. With the government\u2019s Plug-In Car Grant (PICG) deducted, the \u00a326,495 Play R110 Z.E 50 starts the range off, and comes with 15-inch \u2018Flex\u2019 alloy wheels, auto LED headlights, auto wipers, cruise control, keyless entry and start, a 7-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the only choice of the \u2018R110\u2019 motor. The \u00a327,995 Iconic R110 Z.E. 50 adds 16-inch wheels, climate control, connected navigation services, rear USB ports, a synthetic leather-covered steering wheel, a wireless smartphone charger, and a host of driving safety aids including lane keeping and traffic sign recognition systems. The \u2018R135\u2019 motor can also be specified in Iconic trim, the Iconic R135 Z.E 50 car starting at \u00a328,495.<\/span><\/p>\n

The top-specification \u00a329,995 GT Line is married to the \u2018R135\u2019 motor, and adds diamond-cut wheels, an auto-dimming interior mirror, blind spot monitoring, part-synthetic leather upholstery, privacy-tinted rear windows, rear-view camera, electrically-folding door mirrors and a 9.3-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system. \u2018Rapid Charge\u2019 versions of the Iconic and GT Line with the DC faster charging functionality priced at \u00a31,000 more give drivers a wider choice.<\/span><\/p>\n

How much does it cost to tax?<\/strong><\/span>
\nAs the Renault Zoe is all-electric and emits no tailpipe emissions, it attracts no VED charge. For the 2020-2021 financial year, the Zoe is rated at 0 per cent Benefit in Kind (BIK), stepping up to 1 per cent in 2021-2022. In 2022-2023, a 2% BIK rate applies.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why does my fleet need one?<\/strong><\/span>
\nBack in GreenFleet 66, we said that the Zoe \u201cgenuinely feels like the first electric car that could catch on.\u201d It has caught on in a big way since then, and the new Zoe builds on the easy-to-drive strengths of its predecessors, but brings a much improved quality feel, as well as more striking looks. Importantly, it also keeps its long range ability and fun-to-drive personality. In short, Renault has made a good car even better. It has wisely left alone the parts that were good and greatly improved the rest.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Zoe remains one of the best electric cars on the market and the latest refinements make it an even more compelling choice. A 100,000-mile\/5-year warranty \u2013 extending to eight years on the traction battery \u2013 should help seal the deal.<\/span><\/p>\n

Read more<\/a> <\/span><\/div>\n

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Source: https:\/\/greenfleet.net\/<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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FLEET MANAGEMENT AUDIT<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Richard Gooding finds subtly evolved looks and an upgraded interior enables the Renault Zoe to enter a more upmarket phase, without sacrificing the driving, range and practicality benefits that have become its hallmarks What is it? First unveiled as a concept in 2009, the Zoe has spearheaded Renault\u2019s electric vehicle push. A car similar in…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":6968,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[18],"tags":[357],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6967"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6967"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6967\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6969,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6967\/revisions\/6969"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6968"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6967"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6967"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6967"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}