is one model in Carlos Ghosn’s electric vehicle (EV) gamble for Renault that will see a four-car range here in the UK, that will be joined by a van later on.
It’s a conservatively styled five-seater saloon, 5 in. longer than its gasoline-engined sibling, thanks to the extra space required for the lithium-ion 22-kWh battery pack located behind the rear seats. Replacing the conventional engine and gearbox is an electric motor producing 95 hp and 166 lb.-ft. of torque electric motor.
With no fast charge facility available it takes eight hours to replenish the batteries and gives the driver a 115-mile range.
Inside, the only real clue to all this wizardry is a new fascia with a range meter to the left, a conventional speedo and a third dial displaying how much power you’re tapping into.
Like all EVs it steps off the mark briskly thanks to the instant torque, although that starts to wither away at 40 mph. If you drive in Eco mode then you’re in danger of being overtaken by the local snail population, but it would suffice for busy city commuting.
Press on a bit and the power consumption needle stays resolutely in the red while the available range starts to diminish quite rapidly. After just 20 miles the gauge was showing that one-third of the battery power had been used although, to be fair, it wasn’t fully charged when I set off.
The ride is comfy and the body control good, but the steering lacks any feeling or feedback while the regenerating brakes are, perhaps, too eager to slow the car down.
Renault is not expecting to set the UK’s roads alight with this car and I can only really see it being of interest to those who live and commute in heavily congested cities or want a taxi-like vehicle.
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- Renault Creates an EV for the Workplace
- French Judge Tosses out Suit Against Renault Zoe EV
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