The Cutesy Renault Zoe EV Has Been Spied In India

Back in February 2020, Renault India had unveiled the Zoe electric vehicle (EV) at Auto Expo 2020. Since then, nothing much has surfaced on the EV’s possible launch timeline. But now, the EV has been spotted testing in the country. 

Interestingly enough, the test mule spied is the pre-facelift model with different front bumper and fog lamp housing compared to the latest updated one showcased at the Expo. Other highlights include a swanky set of alloy wheels (possibly 15-inch) and tail lamps. At 4.08m, this car is longer than most hatchbacks sold in India.

The cabin doesn't feature the massive 9.3-inch tablet-like touchscreen infotainment system that’s present in the current Zoe. Instead, there’s the smaller R-Link unit flanked by control knobs and switches and a smaller digital drivers display. For the updated Zoe, expect features like automatic LED headlights, front parking sensors, heated door mirrors, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel. There’s also driver assistance tech like lane-keeping assist, blind-spot warning, and traffic sign recognition. 

Get latest updates on
the automobile community

Login Now

Under the hood, the pre-facelift Zoe is powered by an electric motor pushing 108PS and 225Nm. Juiced up by a 41kWh battery. It delivers a WLTP-claimed range of around 300km on a single charge. It can also hit  100kmph from standstill in 11.4 seconds. In terms of charging capabilities, the Zoe can get upto 80 per cent charge from a 43kW charger in 1 hour and 40 minutes. A 7.4kW wall box does a 100 per cent charge in  7 hours and 25 minutes. 

The facelifted model on the other hand is offered in two power outputs: the 110PS R110 and the 135PS R135, and is juiced up by a 52kWh battery good for a WLTP-tested range of 394km. It can go from 0-96kmph in a Hyundai Kona-matching 9.5 seconds. A DC fast charger gives the Zoe a 0-80 percent charge in 1 hour and 10 minutes. A 7.4kW wall box can charge it up in 9.5 hours. 

Renault currently has no plans to launch the Zoe EV in India anytime soon at least officially. Their first made in India EV will be a CMF A product for around 2022 possibly based on the Kwid. Thus Renault could be testing a powertrain or gathering EV data with the prototype pre-facelift Zoe.If the Zoe does make it to India, it is likely to be priced at around Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom) at launch. It is likely to compete against EVs like Tata Nexon EV, and the upcoming Tata Altroz EV and Mahindra XUV300 EV that’s also expected to launch in 2021.

Source