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2020 Renault Zoe ZE50 test drive: a well-deserved facelift

Renault ZOE charging station

Our test of the Renault Zoé ZE50. The Renault Zoé returns in a new version. The Zoé ZE50 promises morerange, more power, more equipment and a revised design for a price that's as tight as ever. Will it live up to its promise, and does it deserve to be the best-selling car in France since 2013?

New Zoé is more powerful than ever, thanks in particular to its increased range and power. Its assertive design gives it even more character. And it boasts an array of high-tech equipment to enhance driving comfort and life on board. The pleasure of driving 100% electric takes on a new dimension!

In 2013, with the launch of the first Zoé, it became the best-selling electric car in France. It even captured over 50% of the market. It's also a resounding success in Europe, where only the Nissan Leaf boasts better sales.

The Zoé returns in a new version, retaining its compact format but with a new engine and battery. The interior has also been completely redesigned, with new ergonomics and more equipment.

Table of contents

New Zoé is more powerful than ever, thanks in particular to its increased range and power. Its assertive design gives it even more character. And it boasts an array of high-tech equipment to enhance driving comfort and life on board. The pleasure of driving 100% electric takes on a new dimension!

In 2013, with the launch of the first Zoé, it became the best-selling electric car in France. It even captured over 50% of the market. It's also a resounding success in Europe, where only the Nissan Leaf boasts better sales. 

The Zoé returns in a new version, retaining its compact format but with a new engine and battery. The interior has also been completely redesigned, with new ergonomics and more equipment. 

Renault Zoe ZE50

Compared with the previous Zoé ZE40, the new Renault Zoé ZE50 boasts a longer range of 390 km in the normalized cycle. Engine power has also been increased, with a 100 kW (135 hp) version equivalent to the Peugeot e-208. On the outside, the Zoé retains the same shape, but its grille has become a little more aggressive, with sharp, contemporary edges. The front logo now houses a CCS port for rapid recharging, a feature missing from its predecessor. At the rear, the lights have been redesigned, but retain the recognizable oval shape. 

Test Renault Zoé ZE50
Test Renault Zoé ZE50 2019
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A well-deserved facelift

The interior of the new Renault Zoé ZE50 is completely renewed. Materials have been upgraded, plastics have been foamed and the dashboard has been given a more modern design. Overlooking the dashboard, a new 9.3-inch display (integrated as standard) dominates the space. Compatible with Android Auto and Apple Carplay, its vertical orientation enables the display of multiple information simultaneously, such as GPS and radio. 

Test Renault Zoé ZE50 interior

Modelled on the Clio 5, the new dashboard is now easier to read. The layout can be changed at will, and GPS feedback is available. The impression of quality is there, and the dashboard is on a par with the Peugeot and Audi Cockpits.

As for the seats, the design remains similar, but the materials have changed. While leather remains available on the top-of-the-range version, the other versions develop new interior arrangements. Innovative new upholsteries make their debut, such as recycled textile or PVC imitation vegan leather. We do, however, regret the full headrest of the previous generation, which blocks the view of rear passengers. 

Renault Zoé ZE50
Renault Zoé ZE50

Renault Zoé ZE50 test drive: France's best-selling electric car gets a makeover

The Renault Zoé ZE50 benefits from a new, more efficient powertrain for improved acceleration. Overtaking on the freeway is a breeze, and you'll appreciate the vigor with which the Zoé accelerates to get onto the fast lanes. The Zoé remains a city car, however, and will spend most of its life in the city. Despite its slightly heavier weight, the Zoé remains very comfortable. The quiet ride and good soundproofing once again add to the quality impression of this new Zoé. 

Renault Zoé ZE50

With its 390 km range and fast charging, the Renault Zoé ZE50 is not afraid of long journeys. A Paris-Deauville, Paris-Lille or Lyon-Marseille journey will require no recharging stops. Thanks to its 50 kW fast recharging system, a 30 to 45 minute stop will give you a range of 200 to 250 km. The Peugeot e-208, available at a similar price, does better, however, with 100 kW recharging enabling it to get back on the road much more quickly.

Once you've reached your destination, however, the Renault Zoé ZE50 and its 22 kW charger will allow you to recover your range much more quickly than most of its competitors, which are limited to 7 kW. So, with a suitable AC terminal to which you connect your own cable, the Zoé will be recharged in just 2 hours 30 minutes, compared with 5 hours for the e-208, for example. 

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Ilona Soulage

Let's enter the world of electric vehicles and charging stations together. Passionate about innovation, I'm here to help you make the transition to a greener world.

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