Renault has started to take orders for the ZOE, its new compact, all-electric hatchback that is currently on display at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Sales in Europe will start in the autumn for this vehicle built in Flins, France. If you want to place your order, you should go to renault-ze.com. ZOE Life, the entry level version, is offered with the following as standard equipment: the integrated Renault R-Link multimedia tablet, Chameleon battery charger and automatic climate control. In France, the tax-paid prices for Renault ZOE have a starting price of €15,700. Meanwhile, the tax-paid prices for ZOE Zen and ZOE Intens (the two high-end versions) have a starting price of €17,500. To promote ZOE, the vehicle will be represented at six global premieres, and it is said to have contributed to 60 patented innovations and Renault's expertise in the field of electric powertrains just like the most advanced electric vehicle technology.
First of all, this is the first mass-market electric vehicle that been given pre-tax prices in France starting from €15,700. Secondly, this is the first mass-market electric vehicle with a range of 210km (NEDC cycle). Furthermore, this is the first vehicle to Range OptimiZEr, a system meant to maximize range whatever the conditions thanks to three innovations: new-generation braking energy recovery, a heat pump and energy efficient Michelin Energy E-V tires. For instance, drivers may want to visit a place near the built-up area. They would be glad to know that this vehicle offers a real-world range of 100km in cold conditions and 150km in mild weather.
Its integrated Chameleon charger is very useful. It reaches 43kW - in between 30 minutes and nine hours. ZOE's battery could be charged in about one hour at 22kW fast-charge stations which are technically simpler and more economical than current fast-charge stations. This intermediate power level guarantees a longer battery life and it also has less impact on the grid compared to a 43kW charging station. It is the first electric vehicle to allow the prevalent deployment of fast-charging stations that are easier to use and up to four times less expensive. The first to be featured is the Renault R-Link, an integrated, connected multimedia system. Because of ZOE, Renault places zero Emissions2 mobility within the reach of most motorists. It is the first car to be built from the ground up as a totally electric vehicle. It has a tax-paid price tag in France, beginning at €15,700.
