[Test Drive] Best Value Electric Car Renault 'Zoe' Experience

Renault Zoe

[Asia Economy Reporter Changhwan Lee] Social interest in electric vehicles is exploding. This is due to various advantages suitable for future cars, such as low fuel costs, eco-friendliness, and low noise.

The domestic electric vehicle market is also rapidly growing every year. Domestic electric vehicle sales surged from 29,441 units in 2018 to 43,182 units last year. In the first quarter of this year, total electric vehicle sales also increased by 15% year-on-year to 12,611 units.

Although domestic electric vehicle sales are increasing, there are still many challenges to overcome. A representative issue is the charging infrastructure. There must be easily accessible charging locations, whether at home or at work. Without nearby charging stations, electric vehicles could just become a burden.

Price is also an issue. Without subsidies, electric vehicles are still expensive. Most cost over 50 million won.

In that regard, Renault Samsung Motors’ electric vehicle 'Zoe,' launched in Korea last year, is ahead of other electric vehicles in terms of price. With maximum government subsidies, it can be purchased in the mid-to-high 20 million won range.

Renault Zoe

I recently test-drove the cost-effective electric vehicle Zoe for about two hours on Seoul’s Gangbyeonbuk-ro and city streets.

To describe Zoe’s design at first glance in one word, it was cute. Its small and rounded image gave a distinctly different feeling from other compact cars. While driving, I also felt the gaze from outside the window. It seemed that some people were looking at the car wondering, "What kind of car is this?"

The company explained that the contour lines of the vehicle’s hood smoothly connect to Renault’s unique Losange emblem located at the center front, completing Renault’s design identity.

Renault Zoe Interior

When driving, Zoe had all the unique advantages of an electric vehicle. After getting in and pressing the start button, it was so quiet that I barely noticed the engine starting. The same was true when pressing the accelerator. The outside noise was louder than the typical electric vehicle sounds.

Accelerating on Gangbyeonbuk-ro, the electric vehicle’s distinctive acceleration power was fully transmitted to the body. The characteristic of electric vehicles delivering maximum torque from low speeds was felt throughout. Because power is delivered to the car immediately when pressing the pedal, an excellent acceleration sensation was experienced.

Zoe is equipped with the latest 100kW R245 motor, delivering a maximum output of 136 horsepower and maximum torque of 25kg.m (245Nm). The company stated it can reach 50km/h from a standstill in 3.6 seconds. Despite being a compact car, it felt powerful.

It is said to be the best-selling electric vehicle in Europe, and its outstanding design and performance seem to have played a role.

Renault Zoe driver's seat

The driver’s and front passenger’s seats were spacious for a compact car. There was no discomfort while driving. Above all, I liked the large and refreshing 9.3-inch vertical display. Most imported cars had inconvenient navigation systems, but Zoe integrates T-map, so there was no worry about navigation.

However, the rear seats were not spacious, so it might feel cramped for four adults. Since it is classified as a compact car, this should be taken into consideration.

Renault Zoe Interior

The trunk was larger than expected. It felt roomy enough that I wondered if the second-row space was reduced to expand the trunk. The depth was sufficient to fit travel bags and such. The trunk cargo space is 338 liters.

Zoe has a 52kWh battery (total capacity 54.5kWh) and can travel 309km on a single charge. It is more suitable for city driving than long-distance travel. It seemed like a suitable car for young professionals commuting to work. Assuming an annual driving distance of 13,000km, the fuel cost burden of Zoe is about half compared to gasoline vehicles.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.