Five Features That Make Renault Zoe The Perfect Electric Car For Indian Cities

Renault is reportedly sizing up the Indian EV ecosystem for bringing its Zoe EV to the country. As per the plan, the French auto maker will be introducing the electric hatchback in India in the next couple of years. The debut, however, will take place in the upcoming Auto Expo 2020.

For those unacquainted with the car, Renault Zoe comes as a purely electric vehicle by the company. Now in its third generation, the model has garnered a lot of attention and subsequent sales in Renault¡¯s international markets, so much so that the company calls it ¡°Europe¡¯s best-selling urban electric car¡±. The highlights of the electric hatchback are considered to be its standout design and ample range promised on a single charge.

So as the electric car makes its way to India, a country that has only begun to embrace the idea of battery powered vehicles, excitement was bound to be generated around it. Before it marks its debut at the Auto Expo next month, here are all the reasons why this interest is justified in the new Renault Zoe.

1. Those charming looks!

This is a no-brainer with the Renault Zoe. Staying true to its French roots, Renault has done a fantastic job with the design of the Zoe. Over the seven years of its existence, the company has managed to keep the Zoe relevant to the times, making it sharper, more desirable and just perfect for what you would expect from a car of its purpose.

The latest iteration, for instance, now sports chrome additions in the grille at the front as well as around the headlights. It even sports new side air vents for a better aerodynamic finish. As for the look, the beautifully sculpted hood grows to a compact shape that eventually rounds off to a minimalist rear end.

It is easy to see how the Zoe has been designed to be a perfect urban commuter and being electric (which we will focus on next), it does so even more wonderfully. The decision to place the charging hatch under the large diamond at the front of the car is proof of that.

2. It's electric

Now here is what beats the petrol and diesel engine offerings in its size segment. While almost all of the hatchbacks sold in India are IC engine ones, the Zoe would be a refreshing change for those looking to enjoy the benefits of EVs in a small footprint. For now, there are almost no such offerings in the Indian market, though many auto makers are looking to introduce their own within this year and the next.

As for the Zoe, Renault claims to have made numerous optimisations to the energy efficiency of the latest model. This was in line with the introduction of an enhanced battery on the new Zoe, which brings us to our next point - its range.

3. Impressive range

Even though we expect numerous launches of electric hatchbacks in India in the coming years, not many would be able to claim the range that the Zoe does. Renault claims a range of a whopping 395 km on the Zoe, thanks to its new 52 kW battery jointly produced by Renault and LG Chem. Renault says that this is a 25 percent increase over what was offered by the previous-generation Zoe.

Renault Zoe's Z.E. 50 Battery

Now that would mean that even though the electric car is showcased as an urban commuter, it would certainly not disappoint if one would like to take it for a cross-country drive. Though a DC fast charging station might come in handy for recharging the battery to full capacity in an hour and 10 minutes.

4. Capable Performer

Being a car for in-city roads, Renault could have argued to keep the performance sub standard. Instead, the company equipped the Zoe with a 100 kW (132 hp) electric motor that promises an acceleration from 80 to 100 kmph in 2.2 seconds.

Coupled to this are features like regenerative braking to feed the energy generated while braking back to the battery. Renault also claims to have updated more than 70% parts of the Power Electronic Controller that can now provide more current from the battery to the motor, thus increasing power output.

5. Plush interiors

When it comes to hatchbacks, not many can claim to offer a premium feel within their cabin. Renault Zoe stands out here with its plush experience, thanks to the soft material used on the seats, sidearms as well as at the dashboard in the front.

Combine this with a host of controls offered on the steering wheel, side arms as well as at the front. The highlight, however, remains to be the 10-inch infotainment system embedded at the front.

It is easy to see how the Renault Zoe will easily stand out in the Indian market once it reaches the country¡¯s shores. With a power-packed battery that will be able to cover considerable distances on a single charge and a design to make it appealing to the crowds, the Zoe might just be the electric car that will propel the Indian urban landscapes towards electric mobility. All this, if Renault manages to price it right!