Review: Renault Zoe

I remember owning a Fiat in the 1980s with a range of around 200 miles, writes Brian Byrne. Not because it was a gas guzzler, but just had a small fuel tank. I didn’t really have a problem with the relatively short time between petrol pumps — even though I was commuting to Dublin at the time, I made it work by always being aware of what was distance was left to me (there were no range computers then).

Last week I was driving a Renault Zoe with an electric range that now approaches 300km. Which coincidentally was about the same as that old Fiat. And even though I don't have a home charger, I wasn't worried. Because that range could comfortably have done me for most of the week. For somebody buying what is Europe's biggest selling electric car, there'd be no concerns at all, because every day they'd be starting out with a full 'tank'. They'd be unlikely to require further charging that day, or even over a few days, in normal driving.

There are limitations for temperature. In winter the guide range is closer to 200km, but again that's three to four times the average daily commute.


The Zoe is small, a supermini. Yes, my 6'2" is a bit much for the rear headroom, but somebody shorter will still have a surprising amount of knee-room even with me in the driving seat. From that front space there's very good visibility and a comfortable drive position.

The instrumentation is simple, with a clear indication of remaining range and whether the battery is discharging or charging (the latter when braking or on an over-run). When driving around my mid-county connecting roads, it seemed to recover a lot of energy, resulting in the range figure staying much higher than the actual distance travelled would suggest should be the case.

I've noted before the ease of driving an electric car. Also its acceleration if one needs to push on suddenly, though in fact you become quite observant of wider traffic conditions and tend to tailor driving habits more efficiently.

Electric car sales are on an ever steepening upward trajectory. Partly due to range improvements, but also the realisation that they are absolutely practical. Notwithstanding the entirely false statement made on TV last week by a national and always prominent politician about reliability and length of battery warranties. The sad part is that he was unchallenged in this by the presenter, so there's another bit of 'fake news' that will have been picked up as pub-conversation gospel.

Even though there remain significant tax relief and grant supports, electric cars are still on the expensive side. Even with the low cost of charging, the average annual mileage of car owners means that payback may not be realised for several years. There's also the question of whether or not the whole-life footprint of the car, from build to scrappage, is as good for the environment as suggested.

Still, there's the unquantifiable satisfaction a Zoe owner can legitimately feel in knowing that their vehicle is not farting out noxious emissions as they drive about their daily business.

PRICE: From €24,990 after grants. WHAT I LIKED: The feel good factor and the tidy drive. RATING: 4+/5.