ZOE. ZOE has been homologated with an NEDC cycle range of 201 km (130 miles). It also features the “Range OptimiZEr” to improve the real-world range, depending on driving conditions. Renault suggests that in suburban use, the owner will generally achieve around 100 km (62 miles) in cold weather and 150 km (93 miles) in temperate conditions.

ZOE can be charged at any level of power—taking between 30 minutes and nine hours—due to the “Caméléon” charger. It is also the first Renault vehicle to be presented with Renault R-Link, a multimedia system featuring a seven-inch touch screen tablet, navigation and connected services.

Current flow when charging. Click to enlarge.

ZOE is powered by a 22 kWh Li-ion battery pack, driving a 65 kW synchronous electric motor attached to a reducer gear. Maximum torque in 220 N·m (162 lb-ft). Top speed is 135 km/h (84 mph).

Well-to-wheel CO₂ emissions for ZOE depend on the energy-generation mix of each country. Emissions total 62 g/km of CO₂ on average in Europe, versus 89 g/km for the new Toyota Prius. They are even lower in France (with its high percentage of nuclear generation) at just 12 g/km of CO₂.

ZOE will be the spearhead of the Renault Z.E. range and the version on show at Geneva represents the model’s final design. In addition to its compact size, attractive styling and affordable price tag, it showcases Renault’s technological excellence when it comes to electric vehicles. ZOE also heralds the beginning of a new era of electric mobility for all and confirms our commitment to electric vehicles. It marks an important step for Renault which has a 110-year history of making major innovations a concrete reality for ordinary motorists.

—Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Renault

Range OptimiZEr combines three innovations: new-generation regenerative braking; a heat pump; and Michelin Energy E-V tires.

New-generation regenerative braking recovers practically all of the energy otherwise wasted during braking, without any significant impact on ZOE’s on-road dynamics, according to Renault. The car offers a smooth drive with no jarring electric motor braking. The system works in two ways:

• The kinetic energy produced under deceleration and braking is recovered by the motor so that it can be converted into electricity to charge the battery. This feature is also fitted to Fluence Z.E. and Kangoo Z.E.

• When the driver presses the brake pedal, the system intelligently distributes the braking effort between applying the brake pads and the electric motor brake with a view to maximizing the use of the electric motor brake and charging of the battery.

The heat pump provides thermal comfort without detracting from the vehicle’s range. This system, which operates in the same way as reverse-cycle air-conditioning, consumes very little electricity. It produces warm or cool air by simply reversing the cycle of operation. The heat pump generates approximately 2kW of cooling or 3kW of heat with just 1kW of electricity. The cabin temperature is also more constant since it is not affected by the heat given off by the motor.

The Michelin Energy E-V tire is a Michelin innovation co-developed with Renault as a world premiere for ZOE. The tire features enhanced energy efficiency to maximize vehicle range. Its rubber compound, tread design and sidewalls have been engineered to withstand ZOE’s high torque and address the specific demands of electric vehicles, yet it still delivers the same safety and handling performance as all other Michelin tires. Available in 15- and 16-inch versions, this tire is fitted to all ZOE models as original equipment.

ZOE is the only electric vehicle to feature the Caméléon charger. Patented by Renault, this charger is compatible with all power levels (single- or three-phase supply) up to 43 kW.

Twizy. Click to enlarge.

Twizy. Twizy’s dimensions are barely bigger than those of a three-wheel scooter and is the only four-wheeler that can park at right angles to the pavement, according to Renault.

Twizy is available with a choice of motors, one of which enables it to be driven without a driving licence:

• Twizy 45 (no driving licence required, depending on national legislation): 4kW (5hp), peak torque of 33 N·m but top speed capped at 45 km/h (28 mph), and

• 13kW (17hp), maximum torque of 57 N·m and a top speed of 80 km/h (50 mph).

Twizy weighs only 450 kg (992 lb), including batteries.Its 6.1 kWh Li-ion battery pack provides an homologated urban cycle range of 100 km (62 miles). In real-world use, customers can expect a range of 80 km (50 miles) by applying eco-driving principles or 55 km (34 miles) in severe conditions with repeated hard acceleration, Renault suggests.

An integrated three-meter battery charging cable compatible with 220V domestic power supplies provides a complete charge in less than 3.5 hours,