Renault
Zoe has reached its second generation and promises to be better overall
compared to its predecessor. A rival of sorts to the likes of the Peugeot e-208 and Opel/Vauxhall
Corsa-e newcomers, the 2020 Zoe gets a 52 kWh battery that ensures a
WLTP-certified range of up to 389 km. With a 30 percent bigger
capacity over the old one and identical dimensions, this lithium-ion battery
also supports fast charging.
Using the new 50kW DC charging option for 30 minutes
will give it a range of around 145 km, whereas plugging it in a 22kW
public charger for 1 hour results in a 126 km range. Charging it from
0-100 percent is an overnight process when using the 7kW Wallbox, which takes 9
hours and 25 minutes.
Another big update is the addition of the R135
motor, which delivers 100 kW (135 PS) and 245 Nm of
torque, hooked up to a single-speed gearbox. In this guise, the new Zoe takes
10 seconds to accelerate to 100 km/h and maxes out at 140
km/h. From 80-120 km/h, Renault says it needs 7.1 seconds, a
2.2 second improvement compared to the R110 electric motor, which carries over
with 110 PS.
Both versions of the car get the new ‘B mode’
driving function, which facilitates one-pedal driving. The ‘D mode’ remains an
integrated part that will come in handy when the vehicle is traveling at a
constant speed, outside cities. Switching between the two modes requires
operating the new e-shifter, while other novelties include the new braking
system and automatic parking brake.
Safety-wise, the 2020 Zoe is equipped with a
generous suite of systems, like Active Emergency Braking, Lane Departure
Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Monitoring,
Easy Park Assist, Auto-Hill hold and auto high/low beam headlights.
As far as the exterior design goes, the new Zoe is
more of an evolution of the old car. Changes include the new grille, bumpers,
standard LED lighting units at both ends, refreshed color palette and new wheel
designs.
The cabin has however been significantly revamped,
featuring a new dashboard layout and better materials. The infotainment system,
with a 9.3-inch touchscreen, has been upgraded and there is now a standard
customizable 10-inch TFT instrument cluster. Users have access to Apple CarPlay
and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, two USB sockets in the rear and a
wireless charging pad offered as an option.
Drivers can of course remotely access and operate
some of the car’s functions using their smartphones. They can start or schedule
the heating or air conditioning, check the battery range and charging status
and pre-plan their journeys.
