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Honda e vs Renault Zoé : Performance
In terms of powertrains, both models offer two choices. The faster Honda e, with a 113 kWh (154 hp) electric motor developing up to 315 Nm of torque.
The Honda e accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds, with a top speed of 145 km/h in the "Advance" trim level. The second, much humbler trim level is equipped only with a 100 kW (136 hp) engine.
The Zoé is much more modest, with two engine options of 80 kW (107 hp) and 100 kW (136 hp). What's more, the Zoé accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.5s, and can reach a top speed of 140 km/h with its 100 kW R135 engine.
The choice between the two engines is available from the "ZEN" trim level upwards. You'll need to pay €26,500 (excluding bonus and battery rental) to get access.
Autonomy and recharging
In terms of range, both city cars are predestined for urban driving.
However, the range of the Renault Zoé could even compete with the electric SUVs on the market in terms of autonomy. The Renault Zoé demonstrates its versatility, covering both short and long distances.
Unlike the Zoé, the Honda e has a more urban vocation, with a 35.5 kWh battery. What's more, the Japanese automaker has announced a range of 220 km in the WLTP cycle. When it comes to recharging, the Honda e can handle up to 60 kW of peak power in a fast charger. However, it is more reasonable to accept an average charging power of 45 kW. This enables the Honda e to achieve a charge from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes. What's more, charging at home is possible, as well as at public charging stations using a Type 2 three-phase on-board plug is limited to 6.6 kW real capacity. This means you can reach 0% to 100% in 5 hours 45 minutes.
The Renault Zoé has a 52 kWh battery with a WLTP range of 395 km. In terms of charging, the Zoé supports up to 46 kW in a fast plug. This enables the Renault Zoé to charge from 10% to 80% in 56 minutes. Since the Zoé has a longer range than the Honda e, it is a little slower to recharge than the Honda e on a fast charger.
Whether wall-mounted or at a public charging station, the Zoé is equipped with an 11 kW, three-phase Type 2 plug. This allows you to charge from 0% to 100% in 5 hours 45 minutes. What's more, it's also possible to set up a 22 kW charge that can take the vehicle from 0% to 100% in 3 hours.
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Honda e vs Renault Zoé: Dimensions and weight
In terms of dimensions, the two city cars are relatively close. The Renault Zoé is a few centimetres taller than the Honda e.
Despite its similar size, the Honda e only offers 171 liters of trunk space, which is very little compared to the Zoé 's 338 liters. What's more, the Renault is a 5-seater, while the Honda e is only a 4-seater.
Inside, both models are perfectly suited to the needs of a city-dweller.
The interior of the Honda e is much richer and more innovative in terms of functionalities. The dashboard features 5 screens. The various screens contrast with retro details such as the two-spoke steering wheel and the rustically-designed tablet.
As for the Honda's displays, two screens on the sides are dedicated to rear-view camera images.
Camera mirrors are available as standard equipment. They improve visibility at night or in wet weather, and reduce blind spots.
The other three screens are used to display navigation information and various functions specific to electric cars.
The Honda e has a tight turning radius of 4.30 meters, making it comfortable and easy to drive in urban areas.
Thanks to its large turning radius, this makes turning on the spot almost impossible.
The Renault Zoé is inspired by the new-generation Clio. Inside, the Zoé features two digital screens. The first is a 10" inch screen for navigation. The second screen, integrated into the center of the dashboard, is 9.3" inches in size, and integrates multiple functions thanks to the EasyLink multimedia system (charging point, traffic info...).
Honda e vs Renault Zoé : Availability and prices
Available for pre-booking since summer 2019, it is now available from €35,060 for its 100 kW version (excluding environmental bonus). The first wave of deliveries of the Honda e throughout Europe is scheduled for spring 2020.
The Honda e also has a second trim level, Advance, available from €38,060 (excluding environmental bonus) with a more efficient 113 kW engine.
Faced with this high price for an electric city car, the Japanese manufacturer justifies it by its comprehensive equipment right from the first trim level. Indeed, most features are standard.
The Renault Zoé is available from €23,900 (excluding environmental bonus) in Life trim, although the French manufacturer prefers to highlight the price without battery, which is offered on a rental basis (a feature of Nissan, Peugeot and Renault).
What's more, it's also possible to buy a complete model with battery, starting at €32,000 for the entry-level ZEN finish. The battery costs €8,100. Most Zoé customers opt for leasing because of its much more attractive price compared with competitors on the market.
When leasing, the price of the battery varies according to the length of the contract and the mileage required. This dilutes the cost of the battery throughout the monthly payments. What's more, this offer is preferable if you intend to keep the vehicle for a short time.
In terms of price, the Renault Zoé is more expensive when you reach a trim level that rivals the Honda e's features. However, the Zoé's battery capacity and range easily justify its cost.
Honda e vs Renault Zoé: the result
Points summary :
Performance: Honda e
Range : Renault Zoé
Charging : Renault Zoé
Dimensions and weight : Renault Zoé
Interior & exterior design: Honda e
Availability and price: Renault Zoé
The Renault Zoé seems like a reasonable purchase, but you'll be forgiven for falling in love with the Honda e. In fact, compared with the Honda e, the Renault Zoé is a risk-free choice, as the French city car has proven itself by being the best-selling model of 2019. What's more, the Zoé's welcoming, versatile and autonomous design will enable you to cover much more distance than its competitor.
However, the Honda e will win you over with its various functions and its geeky side. For example, you can play video games while recharging. Despite the Honda e's rather high price tag for its range, its neo-retro design makes up for it, making a point of developing infotainment within its cabin.
