Renault Zoe 2019 electric car owner review

Paul drives a Renault Zoe R100 ZE40 2019 electric car.

It’s his first electric car and Paul does under 10,000 miles a year. This car has covered under 20,000 miles to-date and achieves 180 miles range when fully charged.

Rate your Renault Zoe out of 5

Why did you choose the Renault Zoe?

YouTube, specifically Ian Sampson as he lives in a semi-rural location. Price, £15k battery leased, have subsequently bought the battery £5k as found I drove more miles that I’d thought compared to my diesel. I chose an EV generally for environmental concerns.

Positives

Instant acceleration (sold my Smart Roadster as the Renault Zoe is faster)
Relaxing to drive (20mph zones are a doddle)
Economy: usually around 4.5 miles per kWh & at 5p per kWh, what’s not to love!

Negatives

Can’t roof load or tow
Range gets badly affected by wind, heavy rain and cold
The back seats don’t fold down flat.

Have you experienced any faults with the car? If so, what have they been?

The charging scheduler packed up and had about a month’s wait for Renault in France to fix it but this was in the middle of covid-19 and my dealer leant me a new Renault Zoe so I was OK. Heater motor packed up so I’m waiting for a new one from France! Not all Renault dealers can service the Zoe so I have a 160 round trip for mine.

What are the standout tech features of your Renault Zoe?

Can’t beat pre-heating car on a cold day which also defrosts it
Cruise control is great for keeping to speed limits in towns especially as there are no gears to get caught out by
Scheduling charging to make use of cheap rate power.

Tell us something people wouldn’t readily know about this Renault Zoe.

It’s got light coloured head lining so it’s not as claustrophobic as cars with dark interiors!

What electric car are you interested in next and why?

Renault Megane EV (if the price and efficiency is right). It can tow enough for my needs and roof load my canoe.

Home charging unit

Rolec tethered – it’s OK, it’s not ‘smart’ but I have scheduling in the car. Cost a lot more to install than I was led to believe.

Rate your home charging unit out of 5

Electricity supplier & tariff

Octopus Go – they have been very good, use and make their own ‘green’ energy; price has been competitive.

Rate your electricity supplier out of 5

What public charging networks would you recommend to others and why?

I mainly charge at home; I have only used the Pod Point network at Tesco branches and for free. My Zoe doesn’t have rapid charging but does take 22kW which has been OK enough for my travels.