ZOE: Renault keeps challenging Tesla

Despite the coronavirus crisis, Renault’s small electric city car achieved success in the first half of 2020. A performance that places it far ahead of the second actor in European electric power, the Tesla Model 3. The new ZOE still has success not only in France: in Germany, sales are also higher for the Renault model compared to the new Volkswagen eGolf.

The numbers speak for themselves

Unlike Tesla’s Model 3, registrations have increased significantly for the ZOE. During the first half of 2020, more than 48,000 units of the Renault ZOE model were sold. This represents an increase of 65% compared to the same period in 2019. A significant increase despite the Covid-19 health crisis. These figures have positioned Renault as the electric leader in the European market. It is well ahead of Tesla, which recorded “only” 33,000 sales for its Model 3 and PSA, which sold only 16,000 units of its model e-208. That is a difference of 15,000 vehicles with Tesla and almost a quarter with PSA.

Although users would not agree with the comparison of these two models, the numbers are there and show a big step forward for the French Losange. So one of the differences between the two is that Tesla is positioned, for now, on the high end, while the designer of ZOE is aiming for the midrange. A rather high price difference of more than 10,000 € between the two models.

A big step for Renault

The ZOE was launched in 2012. Its success has enabled Renault to rank among the major players in the electrical sector. With the launch of the new ZOE, the French manufacturer has demonstrated proven experience (commercial and especially industrial) in this market.

Helped by the rising hype of electric cars, ZOE has not sold as well as it has recently. A continuously growing commercial curve.

This success stems among other things from optimizations on the new ZOE. The 400 km, against 150 km before, are more in line with real autonomy (with the new WLTP standard) thanks to a new battery of just over 50 kWh, which also earned it its code name of “ZE50”. As an option at € 1,000, the ZOE can be fitted with the so-called “combo” direct current (DC) charging port, suitable for “fast” charging at 50 kW. This option provides a range of 150 km in 30 minutes.

Renault has modified its appearance for the first time for a more attractive look. The new version of ZOE retains the well-known basic structure, but becomes more contemporary to look good in front of its elders, by appearing in particular with diamond-coated aluminum rims of 16 and 17 “. For the interior and the equipment, a new design inspired by the Clio.

For power, even if the city car’s 130 horsepower is not as lightning as the Tesla 3’s 513 horsepower, it shows satisfactory performance both in town and on the road. With its new engine, the new Renault will stand out with a performance gain beyond 800 km. On the highway, you can keep your speed at 110 or 130 km / h on the highway.

The breakthrough of electricity in Europe

Les Echos reminds that in 2018, only 2% of new vehicle registrations in Europe were electric models. Even with Renault’s ZOE and other electric models, the sector is still struggling to break through in France.

As of this year, Europe has been the new el Dorado for electricity. And this, ahead of China, which is the world’s leading automotive market, notably with the small one that is rising: NIO. While 486,000 electric and plug-in hybrid cars have been sold in China since January, the 500,000 car mark has been reached, particularly in Western Europe (Iceland, Switzerland and Norway included). A difference, perhaps less, but remarkable in the automotive industry. The race keeps on rolling!

Rather promising figures for the future of the automobile and our planet.

100% electric, the future of the automobile

The electric vehicle is not accused of no polluting emissions while in motion; making driving less damaging to the environment, especially cities and towns close to roads.

In order for global warming to be reduced, the use of fossil fuels (diesel and gasoline) in the transport industry should above all be drastically reduced. Among the best alternatives is the use of an electric vehicle. However, this solution goes hand in hand with reducing the number of cars on the road and using renewable energy sources for the production of electricity.

In addition to the benefits for our planet, driving electric provides user comfort. In fact, in addition to being silent, using an electric car is very economical in terms of cost.

If theoretically, the cost per kilometer is € 3.25 to € 6.25 per 100 km, i.e. between 13 and 25kWH per 100km for electric vehicles, it is € 6 to € 7 per 100 km, i.e. 5l of fuel per 100 km for carbureted vehicles.

Covid-19 or not, some industries are staying in the ring. The auto industry is among those who have successfully adjusted to the crisis. The race for the head of French manufacturers, Renault, Californian, Tesla, over the past few years continues. Renault’s ZOE has made a big sprint this year, overtaking Tesla’s Model 3 in total sales across Europe. These figures indicate the interest of Europeans in choosing electric vehicles. Regardless of the reason for their switchovers, Europe now takes the lead in electric and hybrid car use, passing China.

In any case, this represents a beacon of hope for the future of the electric automobile and for the entire planet.