Renault Zoe ZE Concept

The Zoe (which shares its name with the Zoe concept seen at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show) is a four-seater with scissor-opening doors at the front and butterfly-style doors at the rear which are also boot openings. Its 70kW, 167lb-ft motor gives a 100-mile (160 km) range between recharges, and it can do 87mph (140 km/h).

Developed for the school run, shopping trips or urban commuting, the Zoe is 4.1m long, and it sits on chunky 21" wheels. Its LED lights front and rear are protected from knocks and scrapes by a polyurethane gel, and its LED-studded retractable spoiler serves as a brakelight as well as an aerodynamic aid at speeds above 56mph (90 km/h).

The insulating and heat-reflecting roof incorporates solar cells which power the climate control system, and air intakes on either side cool the batteries. Aerodynamics are further enhanced by the lack of door mirrors: instead, two small rear-view cameras transmit images to the rear-view mirror.

The control panel consists of touch-screen functions, with a TFT screen behind a glass bubble. The driver can control ambient lighting in the cabin and customize the displays; the lighting can even be toned to match the driver's clothes. A personalised avatar character presents messages, including information on the nearest recharging points. A clever climate control feature incorporates a hydrating function, to counteract the usual drying properties of conventional systems, as well as 'detox' filters which shut down vents if toxic substances are detected, and a scent function to release essential oils - relaxing smells in some stressful situations, or scents to perk the driver up for others. Cabin space is freed up by attaching the seatbacks to the roof, and the rear seats can be folded flat.

The Zoe can be recharged in three ways; a 20-minute quick charge from high-voltage points, a four- to eight-hour standard charge from a domestic supply, or a three-minute battery swap at one of the Quickdrop battery exchange stations Renault is developing.

Renault intends to launch four electric vehicles from 2011, and a model based on the Zoe ZE Concept is scheduled for 2012.

Source : Channel 4, September 16th, 2009