Renault Zoe Hatchback Dynamique Nav R90 auto 5d Owner Review
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In their own words
I am a committed fan of electric motoring and have done thorough research prior to deciding on the ZOE. Until it has developed it`s - in my book - `terminal` faults I was enjoying a daily commute of 60 miles with charging every 2-3 days. It`s a quiet, eco-friendly and perfectly viable vehicle that is able to hold it`s own even at motorway speeds (within legal limit) but at the expense of more rapid reduction in range than at slower speeds; it is far better and more economical than any other motorised vehicle in an urban/suburban setting where the stop-start traffic provides for virtually no use of battery power reserve thanks to re-charging through deceleration/breaking. Charging the batteries can take a while depending on charger type (official figures are once again deceiving as they don`t state the level of charge in the battery prior to charging) - from an ordinary 3-pin plug a `full` charge can take as long as 20 hours and 8 from a 7.2 or 11kW charging post. The ZOE is also far more affordable than any other electric vehicle (such as the Nissan Leaf, Kia Soul, Hyundai Ioniq) that all have inferior range - the Tesla is obviously no comparison in any respect. Now that it had what in healthcare would be called two `never events` my confidence in the car and in the marque is severely damaged but my commitment remains so I`ve decided to carry on using it with the proviso that if it develops another fault any time in the future I`ll have Renault take it back and refund me !
How reliable do you find the car?
Two major breakdowns just this side of 6 months and 6000 miles of use: first the `charging unit` developed a fault repairs taking 29 days - in fairness, the garage was waiting for replacement parts on back order for 3 weeks when they received instructions for repair from Renault HQ; second time - just 5 days after first repair completed ! - the entire electric motor had failed and this time the replacement part on back order took 6 weeks (!) to arrive and be fitted. On both occasions car came to abrupt halt with no `limp mode` available, on second occasion in the inside lane of a motorway - hairy and scary experience !Does the car do everything you expected it to do?
The effective driving range on a single charge is better than what various car magazine tests claim but falls short of that claimed by manufacturer - this, though, is not specific to the ZOE - most manufacturers exaggerate mpg or range figures. Public charging isn`t that complicated but you need to be prepared and have your wits about - plus be prepared to walk/use additional transport if there is no charging point at your destination.About their car
- Fuel type Electric
- When purchased April 2017
- Condition when bought New
- Current Mileage 6,000 miles
- Average range on full charge 150 miles
