Cars Mbok Dewor: 2013 Renault ZOE

ZOE is Renault's solution to Zero Emission mobility for all. In addition to being a first class choice for everyday use and readily affordable (from just €15,700) Renault ZOE is the first pure-electric car to be designed from the ground up as such. ZOE is packed with the latest technology and boasts no fewer than six world premieres geared to enhancing user-friendliness, range and connectivity.

2013 Renault ZOE

For the first time, the conditions necessary for the widespread roll-out of electric vehicles are well and truly in place.

Unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Renault ZOE will go on sale autumn 2012. Its launch marks the beginning of a new era: an era of electric vehicles for all.

Style imbued with purity and emotion

Renault ZOE's final design is being world-premiered at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Designed as a pure-electric car from the ground up, ZOE is a compact hatchback with sleek, fluid lines. Its agile, dynamic looks express driving enjoyment, while its signature headlights feature LEDs that permanently light up recesses situated either side of the front air intake. Like Twingo and Twizy, ZOE features the Renault brand's new design identity.

Electric mobility for all, from just €15,700

Today, for the first time, it is possible to buy an electric vehicle at a price close to that of a diesel-engined city car in markets where tax incentives are available. For example:

In France, tax-paid prices for Renault ZOE start from €15,700 (with tax incentive of €5,000 deducted).
In the United Kingdom, where a subsidy of £4,333 is available, tax-paid prices for ZOE start from £13,650 (equivalent to €16,450 at current exchange rates).

Even in countries where tax incentives are not currently available, prices for Renault ZOE are still particularly attractive. In Switzerland, for example, ZOE's catalogue price is CHF 22,800, which is equivalent to approximately €18,900 at current exchange rates).

The cost of leasing the battery starts from €79/month (price for a 36-month contract and a distance travelled of 12,500km/year), inclusive of comprehensive breakdown assistance (which covers flat batteries).

Since March 6, it has been possible to pre-order ZOE in 11 countries at a bespoke website (Renault-ZE.com). Customers who reserve Renault ZOE will be offered a test drive and will be contacted on a priority basis as soon as the car goes on sale.

ZOE, a raft of innovations for a new form of motoring

More than 60 patents have been filed for ZOE's design. Range, interactivity and occupant wellbeing are at the core of the vehicle's innovations.

Renault ZOE, the first mass-market electric vehicle to be homologated with an NEDC cycle range of 210 km

In terms of autonomy, Renault has developed the 'Range OptimiZEr', that combines three major innovations (new-generation regenerative braking, a heat pump and MICHELIN EnergyTM E-V tyres). Due to this, the range of ZOE is the highest of the electric vehicles in mass production. In the NEDC cycle, ZOE is homologated with a range of 210km. In real conditions, for example, in suburban use, the owner will generally achieve around 100km in cold weather and 150km in temperate conditions.

New-generation regenerative braking recovers practically all of the energy otherwise wasted during braking, without any significant impact on ZOE's onroad dynamics. The car offers a perfectly smooth drive with no jarring electric motor braking. The system works in two ways:

The kinetic energy produced under deceleration and braking is recovered by the motor so that it can be converted into electricity to charge the battery. This feature is also fitted to Fluence Z.E. and Kangoo Z.E.
When the driver presses the brake pedal, the system intelligently distributes the braking effort between applying the brake pads and the electric motor brake with a view to maximising the use of the electric motor brake and charging of the battery.

The heat pump provides excellent thermal comfort without detracting from the vehicle's range. This system, which operates in the same way as reverse-cycle air-conditioning, consumes very little electricity. It produces warm or cool air by simply reversing the cycle of operation. The heat pump generates approximately 2kW of cooling or 3kW of heat with just 1kW of electricity. The cabin temperature is also more constant since it is not affected by the heat given off by the motor.

The MICHELIN EnergyTM E-V tyre is a Michelin innovation co-developed with Renault as a world premiere for Renault ZOE. The tyre features enhanced energy efficiency to maximise vehicle range. Its rubber compound, tread design and sidewalls have been engineered to withstand ZOE's high torque and address the specific demands of electric vehicles, yet it still delivers the same safety and handling performance as all other Michelin tyres. Available in 15- and 16-inch versions, this tyre is fitted to all ZOE models as original equipment.

The Chameleon charger revolutionises electric vehicle charging

Renault ZOE is the only electric vehicle to feature the Caméléon charger. Patented by Renault, this charger is compatible with all power levels up to 43kW. Charging batteries at a charging station can take between 30 minutes and nine hours. For example, ZOE can be charged in an hour at 22kW. This intermediate power level extends battery life and puts less pressure on the power grid than the fast-charging of batteries at 43kW.

The Chameleon charger allows fast-charging at charging stations at a quarter of the cost

Fast-charging stations are currently equipped with high-power chargers. Now that the Caméléon charger is fitted to the vehicle, there is no longer any need for chargers at charging stations. New fast-charging stations will be opened which are easier and more cost-effective. They will cost less than €3,000, a quarter of the cost of existing fast-charging stations. Charging stations of this type are being previewed on the Renault stand at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

Brand-new Renault R-Link multimedia system on ZOE

Renault ZOE is the first Renault vehicle to be presented with Renault R-Link, Renault's brand-new integrated, connected multimedia system. To enable drivers to control its functions without taking their eyes off the road, R-Link features a large seven-inch display, steering wheel-mounted controls and speech recognition. R-Link also delivers integrated connectivity with motoring services and applications available from the R-Link Store. When released, R-Link Store will offer more than 50 applications adapted for life on the move thanks to an active partnership with application developers. These apps will be downloadable directly inside the car or via owners' My Renault account.

R-Link also includes a host of new functions dedicated to electric motoring and range management: histogram of energy consumption, display of energy flows and preprogramming of battery charging. The navigation system offers bespoke services such as a display of the vehicle's operating radius based on the range remaining in the battery, suggestions for the most energy-efficient itineraries and the location of nearby battery charging stations (depending on country), as well as their real-time availability. R-Link also lets drivers view their eco-driving performance and improve their technique with 'eco-scoring' and tips (general and personalised).

A relaxing, enjoyable drive

Driving Renault ZOE is a unique experience which gives new meaning to the term 'driving pleasure'. The synchronous electric motor with rotor coil has a power output of 65kW and instantly delivers maximum torque of 220Nm. Acceleration and pull-away are responsive from low speeds. Driving is more relaxing thanks to the silent ride and smooth, gearshift-free acceleration.

For stress-free driving in built-up areas, ZOE is fitted with 'Z.E. Voice', an alarm which warns pedestrians that the vehicle is approaching. 'Z.E. Voice' can be heard from 1 to 30kph and was the subject of special design work to create a bespoke sound identity for ZOE. The driver can choose between three different sounds, while it is possible to turn off the warning system by simply pressing a button.

The perfect temperature inside Renault ZOE's cabin

Programmable pre-conditioning heats or cools ZOE's cabin when the vehicle is charging. When the driver gets into the car, the cabin is just the right temperature and the energy used for the thermal comfort system is not drawn from the battery.

The air breathed in by ZOE's occupants is purer

An activated charcoal cabin air filter traps most bad smells and pollutants. It also filters substances just a few microns in size, such as pollen and soot.

The 'Zen' version embodies the world of ZOE

The choice of colours and materials for the 'Zen' version recalls purity and wellbeing: white, blue and chrome, plus a soft-feel dashboard. Renault ZOE Zen is fitted with 'Take Care by Renault' equipment as standard.

Launched with Renault Latitude, the 'Take Care' signature is a guarantee of premium features dedicated to occupant wellbeing and travelling comfort. In addition to the pre-conditioning function and active charcoal cabin filter, it includes:

A relaxing or stimulating scent diffuser. The effectiveness of the scents has been proven by a study conducted by the German institute Psyrecon.
A dual-mode purifying and relaxing air ioniser: the purifying function eliminates the bacteria found in the cabin air. The relaxing function generates negative ions to produce a balance with the positive ions, which are present in high concentrations in a confined space such as a car's interior.
A toxicity sensor: this system detects excessive pollution levels and automatically switches on the air recycling mode in the cabin.
Teflon® upholstery protection, for easier cleaning: this invisible, odourless treatment is both waterproof and stain-proof.

ZOE underpins Renault's environmental commitment

Like all electric vehicles, Renault ZOE emits no CO2, NOx, CO or fine particles. It also signals the disappearance of unpleasant smells and 'engine' noise during road use. Well-to-wheel CO2 emissions depend on the energy-generation mix of each country. Emissions total 62 g / km of CO2 in Europe, versus 89 g / km for the new Toyota Prius. They are even lower in France at just 12 g / km of CO2.

From 2013, ZOE's local content rate will be 55 per cent following the introduction of the Renault electric motor which will be produced at the company's Cléon plant. This high rate helps to reduce the carbon footprint of logistics activities.

ZOE complies with the very latest criteria required to qualify for the Renault eco² signature:

It is manufactured at Renault's ISO 14001-certified factory at Flins, France.
As required by Renault's eco-friendly hallmark, its CO2 emissions are less than 120g/km.
ZOE is 85 per cent recyclable, while nine per cent of the plastic it contains is sourced from recycling.

Articles Source : Netcarshow