The first-generation Renault Zoe was a trailblazer
when it debuted in late 2012. Back then, EVs were only just beginning to pop up
in Europe so the Zoe didn’t have much competition. This helped the electric
supermini become the best-selling battery electric in Europe, with more than
110,000 units sold since launch.
Today, the landscape is rather different: this year
and the one after it will bring an array of new similarly-sized electric
vehicles in Europe. We saw the first photos of 2020 Zoe prototypes last October, now we have a new batch of cars conducting hot weather tests in southern
Europe. Unfortunately, Renault still keeps the new Zoe fully wrapped in
camouflage, which may indicate that its launch could come later
than expected.
Despite that, it’s pretty clear that the
second-generation will feature an evolutionary design approach. There are
obvious changes at the front and rear compared to the current model, but
overall the side window line and the outline of the trunk lid seem to be very
similar. The Zoe II appears to have grown in size compared to its predecessor,
but that may be just an impression given by the bulky camouflage.
While the looks will stay more or less the same, the
new model is expected to bring major technological upgrades thanks to the
switch to a dedicated EV architecture. The new electric supermini could offer a
slightly larger battery of 50 kWh and, with it, an improved range of 400 km.
Charging capabilities will also take a major step forward with the
adoption of 100 kW CCS2 fast charging (22 kW AC charging will still be
available). The Zoe II is also expected to gain Level 2 autonomy systems such as
Lane Keeping Assist and Active Cruise Control with stop & go capability.
All signs point to Renault launching its new EV at the Frankfurt Motor Show in
September, with sales most likely to commence in early 2020.
