Renault ZOE enters third generation

Renault has unveiled what it’s labelling the third-generation Renault ZOE electric vehicle (EV) and, while there doesn’t appear to be a lot of new design to talk about, there’s plenty of underlying substance.

With more on-road zing, the option of regular AC or DC fast-charging, plus styling changes that are more identifiable from the front than anywhere else, the latest version of Renault’s light-class EV gets an interior upgrade with higher quality, greater comfort and improved ergonomics.

The added on-road performance comes from a more powerful 100kW/245Nm electric motor (the current car produces 68kW/220Nm) that draws from a larger 52kWh lithium-ion battery pack, while the charging process is helped by a new urban-driving mode that better harnesses kinetic braking energy for “reduced use of the brake pedal.”

According to Renault, the uprated motor enables the ZOE to accelerate to 100km/h in less than 10 seconds and reach a top speed of 140km/h.

Using the DC charging facility, which is available alongside regular AC charging, enables the ZOE to cover as much as 126km after just half an hour of charging.

A full charge at a regular household socket still takes around nine and a half hours, but is said to be good for up to 390km on the Worldwide Harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP). Renault claimed 403km for the outgoing ZOE, as measured by the NEDC economy standard, which is less relevant in the real-world.

The styling refresh is focussed largely on the front end, which is much bolder with a larger Renault motif that conceals the charging points, plus a lower ‘grille’ with new outrigger mini fog lights/vents. The rear-end looks basically unchanged apart from new tail-light lenses with more horizontal elements.

The interior changes aim at improving perceived quality, with more use of soft-touch materials, a new 10-inch driver’s display for all models, wireless phone charging and Renault’s new EASY LINK multimedia system that combines with the MY Renault app to offer drivers a “range of applications and services designed to accompany them throughout their daily activities”.

The Renault ZOE, a light-class five-door, five-seat hatchback roughly equating the proportions (but not weight) of its conventionally-powered Clio sibling, was introduced to the Australian market in late 2018.

Since then just 52 examples of the ZOE have been sold here, including only two this year.

Renault Australia corporate communications manager, Alison Van Den Dungen says that is due to “production timeline and availability out of the factory, so we haven’t had any stock to sell so far this year.

“However, production is back and we will have vehicles arriving in the coming weeks. With strong customer demand and orders for the vehicle already we will be selling ZOEs again in the second half of the year,” she said.

The good news is the third-generation Renault ZOE, complete with the new ‘ZE 50’ battery and 100kW motor, is destined for the Australian market, where it will be launched in 2020.

“Timing is still being worked out but the plan is to bring the new ZOE to Australia next year,” said Van Den Dungen.

It’s not known what form the new model will arrive in, but the current ZOE remains available in two versions: The base $47,490 Life and the slightly upmarket Intens which, with reversing camera, rear parking sensors and keyless start/entry, is tagged at $49,490.

Before the new ZOE arrives next year, Renault Australia will release the hard-core Megane RS Trophy, all-new Kadjar mid-size SUV and new Trafic and Master vans in the third quarter of this year.

And while there’s no update on a local ETAs for the Renault Alaskan or Duster Oroch utes or the Arkana coupe-crossover, expect all-new Renault Clio, Captur and Koleos models to join the new ZOE in local showrooms next year.