Renault Zoe ZE 40 Charges Up To Take You Farther


If you've been holding off on switching to an electric car because the current crop just can't go far enough without stopping to recharge, we have good news. Because battery technology is constantly improving, giving the latest EVs much farther range. And the latest comes from Renault.

At the Paris Motor Show today, the French automaker has announced the new Zoe ZE 40 – a revised version of its sleek little electric hatchback. In 40 spec, the Zoe boasts a new battery pack that's rated by NEDC standards to power the vehicle for 400 kilometers (or nearly 250 miles) on a single charge. Renault says that in real-world conditions, it'll go a good 300 km (186 miles) before needing to plug in again.

Either way you look at it, that's not too shabby. It's not as far as the Tesla Model S or new Chevy Bolt will travel, but it's a check of a lot better than electrified versions of conventional cars like the Fiat 500e, Volkswagen e-Golf, or Kia Soul EV – none of which even break into double digits when it comes to range. And it's that much better than the existing model, which was NEDC-rated at 240 km (150 miles) until now, and at 210 km (130 miles) before 2015.

 Along with the new battery, Renault has also updated the Zoe with new color choices (red or grey), electric folding mirrors, two-tone 16-inch alloys, and fresh interior upholstery and trim. There's also a chic-looking new Edition One version with leather upholstery, heated front seats, Bose audio system, and a unique shade of grey paint.

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