Why The New Renault Zoe ZE50 is the Only Sensible Electric Car I Have Driven

Today I am driving the newly updated Renault Zoe ZE50 - what's it like?
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[@TheIndulged1]

I dated a Zoe once, she had plastic bumpers too

[@Lambullghini]

🤣 I'm assuming the maintenance was expensive.

[@TheIndulged1]

@@Lambullghini servicing was expensive.

[@planestrainsdogsncars4336]

@@TheIndulged1 You should have gone Dutch by the sound of it ...lol

[@TheIndulged1]

@@planestrainsdogsncars4336 can't afford a Spyker sadly

[@Atombender]

Unlike the Renault, your Zoe had an exhaust.

[@EinkOLED]

I never realised that electric cars appeal to those who live far from a petrol station, and can simply charge from home.

[@edwardpurkis1084]

Saves me a lot of time compared to the ice vehicles I use:)

[@EinkOLED]

@@edwardpurkis1084 And money because remote petrol stations aren't exactly competitively charged.

[@kaitlyn__L]

It's one of those things that seems obvious in hindsight! In fact, it is the complete opposite of the "sure, if you live in a city" argument, as you're highly unlikely to be able to charge anywhere near your home in a city! So they're actually a bit rubbish for city-dwellers, but really good for rural folks...

[@edwardpurkis1084]

@@kaitlyn__L exactly, EVs work great for people that have a drive, cover a lot of miles and aren’t near petrol stations, so people that like in the countryside, if you in a town there are lots of things close by and you are less likely to travel as far to fuel bills will smaller on a Petrol car and most people can’t charge in town😂

[@kaitlyn__L]

@@edwardpurkis1084 not to mention their low-end torque being better for tractor-battered dirt roads! I've recently convinced a rural pal to consider an EV on her next lease, as leaving home with a full tank AND being able to run the heating for half an hour before leaving in cold mornings while plugged in sounded very appealing to her. Like many, she was put off by the prospect of long charge times, until I pointed out with 200, 300, 400 mile ranges, she'd just be plugging in at home 99% of the time. Then it all got flipped on its head, and you could see her eyes widen - "I take an hour or two break after 150-200 miles anyway! And those are the only times I'd need motorway chargers, if I had 300 miles of range! I'd never need to stop by the petrol station on the way home while I'm tired again!" and suddenly she went from being a skeptic to looking forward to the opportunity. Though she still wasn't too keen on the idea of "having to drive an automatic" (as it were). But the rest seemed very appealing (especially as she's pursuing a small home solar grant, too).

[@wiamoaw]

I drive a 5 year old zoe daily and honestly it's the best thing I've ever done...

[@orionfranklin2636]

I guess I am kind of randomly asking but do anyone know a good site to watch newly released series online ?

[@brentleyalfredo566]

@Orion Franklin Flixportal :)

[@orionfranklin2636]

@Brentley Alfredo thank you, I went there and it seems like a nice service :) I really appreciate it!!

[@brentleyalfredo566]

@Orion Franklin you are welcome xD

[@Cloudrak]

Anyone else seeing the Flixportal comment, don't go to it. It's a scam and these are bot comments.

[@timaustin2000]

Thing about the gear lever: you never go into N. I've had mine since July - never, ever deliberately gone into N. It has automatic hold for traffic lights and hills. The parking brake is automatic. Neutral serves no purpose, nor does park - which this car doesn't have. I think the gear lever is fine. Note on the range: Unless I'm doing motorway miles, 200 miles is easily achievable. Summer, when I got it, I never got less than 220. I did North Yorkshire to the Eden Project in Cornwall in mine in October in a rainstorm doing 70 down the M6 and M5: never got below 160 miles of range. Did it easily with two stops - breakfast and lunch - to charge. It's not really true to say that you can't long distance the thing - you absolutely can.

[@specialcircs]

Exactly! What the heck is he talking about? Reverse is right at the top, drive at the bottom, how on earth can you get that wrong?

[@squareeyz]

I have the GT version and mine is completely key less. Doors unlock and lock in proximity to the vehicle. Also, this review might be a bit old, the app is pretty good especially at public charge points. The app lets you turn on the a/c, change the charge mode from instant to scheduled, and see exactly the state of the charge. On a 50Kw charger I can go from 30% to 80% in about 20 mins or so, long journeys no problem.

[@asambi69]

@@squareeyz 30-80% in 20 mins sounds a little optimistic.

[@Dmxravin]

Neutral is used to tow onto flatbed. Other than that it’s probably to make it more familiar to general drivers.

[@TheStevo1978]

I agree. I've done 4000 miles on mine in the last year and haven't had problems moving into reverse/ neutral by mistake yet? I don't think I've slowed down for oncoming traffic to put the car in neutral yet. Our ZE50 is only the mid range Iconic model too which is completely keyless entry, I actually preferred the lesser Iconic for the fabric trim compared to the fake pleather GT Line I would agree (Mercedes call this Artifico leather). The app does do pre conditioning, it doesn't start the car though? (But I'm not really sure what was meant by that,for an EV?) Also why not mention the 5yr warranty compared to more expensive german models, like an etron? Even if Kia honour their 7 year warranty (my experience, and friends of mine is, they simply just dont!) By comparison Renaults 5 yrs compared to German rivals 3/4 years is pretty good All in all it's an overlooked good all rounder, a sound used option for a pure EV built on 10+ years knowhow, and not just a battery bolted to an old ICE platform like some alternatives in the same space/price. Johnny Smith's aka Late Brake Show long term road test review of the Zoe is the fairest I've seen.. calling out the benefit of the front central charging socket, the best place for one 👍

[@duncanmartin2626]

I own a ZE40 (I paid 17k for it new in 2017), and while I mostly agree with you (it is essentially cheap-to-run transport), I think you have a few facts out of place. The first version of the Zoe (available in 2013) had a 22kWh usable battery. That was replaced in 2017 by the ZE40, all of which had a 40kWh battery. All of these cars had 22kW fast AC charging, and ones with a "Q" in the name had 43kWh rapid AC charging. The ZE50 (available in 2020) has 22kW as standard, and CCS is (absurdly) a paid for option, which gives you up to 50kW charging and access to a lot more chargers (in the UK at least). The bodyshell is basically the same across all the models, but the ZE 50 has an upgraded interior and lights as well as the bigger battery. There is keyless entry of sorts - if the key is around the car and you press the little rubber button on the drivers door then it will unlock all the doors, but the keycard for the ZE40 was more useful because that has a pre-heat button. Be careful with the 13A charger (aka the granny lead). Using it off a regular extension cable is a bad idea (they heat up and melt/cut out), so if you plan on using an extension cable, get a heavy duty one for this purpose. Also, Renault advise not to use the 13A charger regularly - if the socket you plug it into isn't in good condition then the plug will get hot and potentially melt the socket! This is why they only supply it as an extra (for an absurd price - buy a 3rd party one through the owners club for half the price). As a device for getting from A-B in comfort it's pretty good - it's relaxing and simple to drive and live with. Pre-heat is awesome. It is not a drivers car in any way, and it doesn't attempt to be - if you're after fun then look elsewhere.

[@YounesLayachi]

Nice

[@Jesus_Iced]

This was more informative than the review.

[@neiltitmus9744]

What home charging can you get can you use a 45 amp

[@duncanmartin2626]

@@neiltitmus9744 how many phases? Standard 7 kW is 32A single phase, 22kW is 32A 3 phase. I think that Q charging at 43kW is 64A 3 phase, but I only have an R, so I'm not sure about the Q.

[@nava8385]

You need to set up your own channel. Your explanation is outstanding.

[@philipbroggio9315]

All Zoes can charge up to 22.5kw as standard on AC . Some versions of the ZE40 charge at 43kw. Home charging on AC single phase is 7.4kw which is what you quoted . The ZE50 can also charge at 50 using CCS as an option(well 46 in practise)

[@AndrewEbling]

Yes - in fact, even some 22kwh Zoes can AC charge at 43kw - the Q model. I have one and rapid charge it a few times a year.

[@martijnkosters9024]

Quick charge has been a possibility since 2014,15? Back when 43kw was actually a feature and not a necessity.

[@Mladjasmilic]

​@@martijnkosters9024 There is ZE40 Q90 (regular is R90). They come with Continental motor. They have 10% less range than R90 and are only 60% efficient when charging at 1 phase 10A EVSE you get from Renault. But if you find 3 phase 63A 43kW public charger, it can charge in 1h15m. R90 would take at least 2h to fully charge.

[@sparky4878]

Given the owner picked it for the interior looking like a car, I have to agree. Tesla interiors are so bland. Especially the Model 3 with that tacky looking screen slapped on. But I have a disdain towards cars with screens anyway.

[@markchip1]

It's the haptic touch controls which force a driver to look away from the roads for seconds at a time that I hate with a passion! Especially as they'll be difficult/expensive to fix when they fail!

[@SteveBUK73]

I'm a massive petrol head, but considering an electric car as a 2nd small run around car. This is currently top of the list as range per buck I think its the best out there. A top of the range GT lease is about £190 a month which is nearly £100 cheaper than its nearest rival.

[@arekb5951]

It is fully keyless, you probably used the button on the card which switches keyless entry off until the next engine shut off.

[@gergall1809]

Every Zoe built has from Domestic 7kW up to 22kW AC charging as standard.Earlier Q-Spec cars had 43kW AC charging,they've moved to 50kW CCS DC with the ZE50.

[@siggy_7459]

If you haven't tried the i3 I thoroughly recommend it James - we looked at all the small hatch options including the Zoe before getting ours (finally delivered last month). One thing really going for EVs right now is the zero rated BIK - mine is through a company leasing scheme which basically means your PCP comes out of pre tax salary, a massive saving if you're on higher rate. EVs can be fun to drive, but for real enjoyment and involvement I have to confess I don't think I'm ever giving up my TVR!

[@Luckyjo21]

MG 5 Estate is 24k and i saw one for sale at a garage for 21,500. That's the car i'd choose if i wanted electric

[@BRxRanger]

I have a MG5 and it does the job and has massive range for the money.

[@YounesLayachi]

Wasn't expecting this :) Nice !

[@AndysLandyAdventures]

Nice review as always 👍

[@tomtalk24]

Only Jay can make a 20 minute episode about a boring car entertaining.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

The opposite to the comments I usually get, so thankyou!

[@MKPatrick]

@@JayEmmOnCars I think he might have been referring to how many gaffes you make...

[@bounty112]

The thing with the blank push buttons means actually that some features are missing from that car, like 360 camera or parking assist etc. Same with the blank buttons on the steering wheel - adaptive tempomat, lane assist missing. Same like on the Clio 5. Otherwise all push button features can also be managed from the screen, the push buttons are there for comfort and quickness.

[@chrisrumble2665]

"The remains of a geograhy teacher.." Brilliant!.

[@specialcircs]

I have a Zoe ZE50 and it cost me £23k, so comparison with the base £29k+ e-Niro is hardly balanced, and the range of the Leaf is much lower, so again...horses for courses. Also, do your research, James; 2+2? maybe for people your size, & the app is great, works fine.

[@KarlOsuchowski]

Lol Jay, good point on the trim materials. In Canada we would have said “the remains of a history teacher”.😅

[@EleanorPeterson]

Hi, Karol! Do history teachers in Canada also have jackets with leather patches on the elbows? British ones do! Oh, yes... Tweed and corduroy, smoking a pipe, and driving a green MG with wire-spoked wheels... ;-)

[@enricogolfen]

I really like this purple color

[@Dreso87]

i have a question: wouldn't adding multiple speed gearboxes, like a 5 speed, to electric cars greatly extend their range? since the motors wouldnt be making too much work...

[@lorenzov9136]

The needed energy to move the car will always be the same. Gasoline engines need gearboxes because they produce torque a small rpm range. You have stay in that range to get moving so gears are used. Electric motors have max torque at 0rpm, therefore they need no gears. It's like been able to drive away in 5th gear with a super torquey engine :).

[@juliandavies7890]

I drive a 63 reg Zoe and it charges at 43kw on rapid chargers and 7kw on normal chargers. Also 22kw and 3kw. Also the Zoe is supposed to come WITH a charging cable as standard..Your friend needs to go back to the dealer and demand one, it is part of the car.

[@nu_foz]

Thanks for the vid, James. Cool to see that B2-generation Audi 80 at 7:23 :)

[@lesrogers7310]

07:20 For the records, that village is Long Melford in Suffolk.

[@kaitlyn__L]

Thank you! It looked identical to many Cotswolds villages in so many respects, but I couldn't place it.

[@sagarisfiorano]

Concerning the key-card, you are not right. It's a hands-free card, which means you do not need to push the buttons on it, you can just have it in your pocket. When u want to unlock the car, you approach the car and push the small rubber button on the door handle or the button to open the trunk. The car unlocks. Then you have the button to start/stop the engine. And when you want to lock the car, you just close the doors and walk away. The car knows you are walking away with the card and locks itself automatically.

[@gergall1809]

ZE22 and 40 had the rubber handle button to press..ZE50 keyless,the car unlocks as you approach,you just pull the handle..

[@davidhindmarch1783]

James unrelated to this video , but in light of recent videos which GT ? 599 Vanquish or FF ? I want a V12 Gt. Driven FF and F12 , not that stable. Thinking 599 or Vanquish. Your opinion is valuable . Thanks let me know. D

[@JayEmmOnCars]

It would be between 599 and Vanquish. I might be tempted by the Vanquish even if in truth the 599 is a better car. Both excellent choices.

[@davidhindmarch1783]

Thanks I appreciate that. 👌

[@neilross6227]

par for the course for Arnold Shark... won't be too long before they charge you for the air in the cabin

[@davidmalone4825]

I drove the pre face lifted version of these and I found it to be my favourite of the EVs I’ve driven (a Leaf, Kona and BMW i3). I don’t like the looks of it, the little key card and the cheep plastics, but it’s the one I could use everyday. No fiddly gear selector or anything. I just think of it as a smaller electric Clio

[@alexanderpa2868]

The Zoe is bigger than a Clio in every dimension though 😅

[@simonm8988]

Should try a Polestar 2, JayEmm :D

[@cjmillsnun]

Early Zoes only had 7.5kW charging? No Jay. They all had at least 22kW charging, some had 43kW. What they all had was type 2 AC charging only! All the new Zoes have 22kW type 2 AC charging and some have 50kW CCS.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

My mistake however in my experience the vast majority of AC points I encounter are 7.5KW

[@richardskinner6391]

Some corrections.... Renault are french, not Japanese. The base model Zoe can charge at 22kW from a 3 phase AC charger, still less than the DC charge of the rapid charge CCS version but not the 7kW you make it out to be.

[@kaitlyn__L]

He didn't say they were Japanese, just that the interior was like other sensible Japanese competitors.

[@davidsanderson2960]

*facepalm

[@bobwaite5835]

Hi, you are being a little over critical! I have a 70 reg iconic ZE50 R110 and so far I am very pleased after only 5 months. It only has a type 2 charger, but at 22kW charging that’s 2.5 hours for a full charge and I never need a full charge. I charge overnight and my last one was 29 kW for a mere £4.20 with my home Wallbox (7.4kW). The gear lever (for want of a better name) has a Reverse, Neutral, Drive and Braking, which you never mentioned! Regenerative braking system very useful to conserve energy. I agree with the lack of refinements, I only have rear parking sensors and no camera, disappointing as my Hyundai i20 did have one. The drive train is excellent, why no mention of the auto brake system? It comes on when you brake to a stop as indicated by a green brake light on the dash. The parking brake is applied when the car “engine” is stopped or the switch is pulled up, just behind the mobile phone charging place. I also like having the 3 options of speedo etc display and the cruise and max speed controls. The pedestrian warning sound can be muted and on later examples can have different selection of sounds, not just the one. The preconditioning can be done from the app as can the charging schedule. It also has the maintenance warning calendar. Mine only has the small touch screen, but reasonable satnav and this can display charging services. The dash also has a current speed limit display with a fuzzy edge if it is exceeded. Lots and lots of extra goodies, some of which I haven’t mentioned, so why be so critical. Btw it was only £14,000! I was also fortunate that it had less than 5000 miles on the odometer display, which I thought was good. So please be more thorough and a little more generous with your reviews.

[@looped7979]

What do you think about the peugeot e-208 ? Will you test it ? In terms of fun electric cars i suggest the mini cooper SE, FWD 184hp must be the first electric hot hatch !!

[@benday1218]

The MG products are highly competitive on price, if you are just running the car for 3 years on a deal, although I appreciate the ZS EV and MG5 are bigger.

[@mostlymessingabout]

MGs are made in Chyna though 🤔

[@williamfence566]

Sticking with my " self charging Hybrid " . EV new price and infrastructure the issues . Great review

[@TeesTrev]

The app on the ZE50 Zoe gives you the car's location and directions to find it which us an improvement on rhe ZE40. Thanks for the info on the blank buttons re functions replicated on the screen. Good review I learned stuff thanks

[@darcycuttlefish3981]

We had a 2013 one of these for 3 years until it got written off. In those days, you rented the battery for a monthly fee (around £100 depending on your mileage) but the list price was lower and we bought our demonstrator with

[@Dave-in-France]

Hi Jay, if you haven't already tried it - you need to look at the new MG5 ev estate car - looks like a real 1st in the vfm EV range. Over 200 mls range, about 155 bhp, plus all the toys you could want. Plus, amazing to testers, amazing build quality. Prices start from £24,500 and the top spec is iirc £26,500. It looks to be really good.

[@planestrainsdogsncars4336]

Cool ..where's your dealership?

[@Dave-in-France]

@@planestrainsdogsncars4336 Don't have one. Retired but passionate EV supporter.

[@simonjohnson3641]

I think there's more than a good chance that China will be the country to come up with affordable EVs that will sell in large numbers - I haven't seen one in person but the MG 5 EV estate looks promising based on the reviews. I'd like to see James review it against some of the estate cars he has driven previously.

[@richards4456]

Every reviewer makes the same remarks about renault steering wheel controls. Spend some time with them and they just make sense!

[@ianmason3040]

Oh how things have changed, I was looking at these a couple of years ago when they were chucking them at you for 17k

[@lukazupie7220]

Without battery lol

[@maltesephil]

11: I want mine to sound like a tie fighter from star wars

[@sportzntouring]

There's after market companies offering sound packs for Teslas. Milltek have sound kits that allow you to choose sounds in an app, including V12 exhaust 😳

[@Bod8998]

Yawn no offence why would you wanna add shit to that plastic doesn’t fit together like my kid doing Lego wrong

[@sportzntouring]

@@Bod8998 maybe you didn't watch the whole video? James mentions Tesla as being the kind of company that would allow you to customise the exterior sound of the car. I'm merely pointing out that there's companies out there doing it already... Hope you feel less tired soon 😉

[@DavidHughes-op6zl]

The most odd road test report I've ever seen. I own a new Zoe and I didn't recognise the car as described, certainly I've never once experienced the reverse gear difficulty complained about. As for the absurd observation regarding the keypad, I laughed like a drain at that juncture. As a reviewer the presenter makes a good comedian and in that capacity yes, I did "enjoy" the report - for the wrong reason. Indelibly memorable! .

[@thetad1242]

I've driven lots of Renault with that key card mostly with keyless entry. All the time it was in my pants pocket or my jacket.

[@arekb5951]

Yes, he probably used the button on the card which switches keyless entry off until the next engine shut off.

[@waynesimpson2074]

Superb assessment, humorous yet detailed.Thanks.

[@R-Tap]

Zoe was always a good looking car.

[@Bin216]

The rattle in the back is the boot (grab boot handle and pull it up and down, it will creak horribly). All the ZE50s seem to do it. Packing the lock mechanism with grease seams to be the cure.

[@gergall1809]

Dealers are taking the cars back to fix the boot creak..It's a hinge weld in some of them.

[@markchip1]

James, I do appreciate your forthright honesty in calling out crap standards, BY NAME, where you see it - specifically that Scottish dealer who didn't supply a car with ANY charging ability whatsoever!! Ludicrous and shameful!!!

[@kaitlyn__L]

Arnold Clark customer service is horrible as well. Ask too many questions and the dealer says something like "look, you're obviously just not the right kind of customer for this. Now, if you don't mind, I'm really very busy...". At least, in my experience they do. Experienced this with a couple different branches mind. Literally telling you to fuck off! And they won't even feel bad about the lost sale because they were the one to tell you to fuck off. SMH.

[@keirbourne5323]

A Twizy is not more remarkable than the Zoe... I drive a Twizy and a Zoe at work and Twizy is rubbish. Looks very cute and is mildly fun to watch people's reactions to it, but to drive it is absolutely terrible. It has none of the "instant punch" that other electric cars have. That being said I would love a Twizy review, shame I can't offer you our work fleet for review lol.

[@gepwxaqdfsidsesg1548]

Please review the MG ZS EV. Currently my wife has an old Freelander 1 diesel and she loves the thing to bits. She likes sitting up high but it's not too big. The problem is that we live in London and one day TFL is going to come after it I'm sure (or rust). We have a drive to park on so charging wouldn't be a problem and she only does short journeys so to be honest the ZS on paper looks perfect.

[@axelilcken4519]

Hi James, we have a Zoë and I really like the mudflaps. Were you get these, original Renault? Thank you mate! Keep up the good work.

[@kinross24]

I think your miles off the Mark with the everyday use of a Zoe. With its easily well over 200 mile range it make a great wee commute car, and with that big boot a good family car. Active battery management compared to a Leaf. Only competition might be Amb MGzS ev fir price but with less miles.

[@Hargan]

Looking forward to the time when manufacturers get the basics of electric cars sorted for an acceptable price.. and then the sporty models can come along after. RenaultSport, GTI, ST/RS electric models etc

[@louis5945]

33K for a Renault Zoe is completely nutts. That's 320D money, I know which I'd rather have

[@lukazupie7220]

U should compare cost overall, not just purchase lol.. otherwise for that money u can buy f10 m5, why stop at 320d lol..

[@autoban7548]

Still around 10 grand too expensive, if they want these ev’s to take off they have to be competitive in price with the equivalent ice driven cars

[@TheMentalblockrock]

they never will be because batteries are expensive to make.

[@ericpisch2732]

@@TheMentalblockrock Tesla’s new high volume battery design and giant castings reduces production cost to below ICE cars

[@TheMentalblockrock]

@@ericpisch2732 I'll believe that when it happens! Tesla always over promise and under-perform. And anyway- this is a Renault, not a Tesla.

[@ericpisch2732]

@@TheMentalblockrock kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZy0mJRjot-Cars

[@TheMentalblockrock]

@@ericpisch2732 The materials in the batteries (lithium ores etc) and expensive and very polluting to manufacture. A new Tesla batter $19,000. No-one is going to spend that kind of money on a ten year old EV with a dead battery!

[@davidcooper5442]

the trouble with electric cars , apart from the problems with charging in most domestic homes, is the obscene cost. Compare this 30 k car with a cheap as chips Grot Box Petrol Car the Dacia Sandero for around 8 thousand pounds. The mpg and road fund licence compared to the price differential means the ZOE is just a nuts shopping trolley. I wonder if the 1st year depreciation would pay for the Sandero outright ?

[@edwardpurkis1084]

This difference is the Zoe is a lot nicer to live with and the total cost of ownership is no where near as bad as you might think is it holds its value a lot better than a 8k dacia, and I don’t have to hide my car like I would if I had a dacia😆

[@nixer65]

On the subject of cables, I have had a BMW i3 for 3 years and have never taken the cables with me or even used the 13A plug charger. Public chargers have cables attached and I have an 11KW charging point with a type 2 connector. Hence the 13A cable really is a waste of time. And slow.

[@me32dc]

It’s why I have a 135 rapid ze50 for the commute

[@forresttm]

Renault missed a trick by not having a renaultsport version. A quick one would be mental.

[@NeedMoarRage]

I am sure they eventually will, it might not be the Zoe though. Maybe the next EV Megane they previewed recently?

[@edwardpurkis1084]

There has been rumours of one for ages. Hopefully it comes into existence at some point.

[@khew1]

The MK1 Ford Focus reverse light and fog light reflector units are still alive and well then

[@fbboringstuff]

The Zoe in Aus is 50K to 60K!!! No subsidies to speak off (actually the states are trying to implement a road usage tax) and battery is included in price. You could count on your fingers and toes how manny have been sold to private buyers in a few years.

[@maxtorque2277]

Being able to put the car into reverse whilst still moving forwards is BRILLIANT!! seriously, go do a three point turn down a tight town street and report back!

[@nikoweindel1198]

Are you saying perhaps the Zoë is a reasonably reasonable car?

[@gabrieleubank3930]

Excellent as always

[@jim_bocho]

So this or a Yaris GR 🤔

[@paulsheehan2998]

You need to get your hands on a MG 5 I hear very not bad things about them. Considering the price, very not bad is pretty good.

[@sparky4878]

18:48 how did you time it to have that Tesla going by at just when making that point? The coincidence gods must have been smiling.

[@alanhowemusic2457]

Thank you for updating my view on the new Zoe EV. Still wouldn’t buy this car far to expensive for a city car.

[@steve0680657]

French manufacturers are the kings of silly design and changes throughout a car's life. I once changed all brake discs and pads on a Peugeot 206 and when buying replacements found out that there were about 6 different variants of brake pads that Peugeot's 206 had used during production.

[@rustyjoints4857]

Good review. A few things I noted though. Blank piano buttons are perfect for resting your hand on when using the screen. The gear lever is sensitive but to be honest I never use Neutral, it's either Drive or Reverse. The auto brake is very good when in traffic. The app does work fairly well now including pre-conditioning, you cant use it to lock/unlock the car but the key does that when you walk up to or away from the car. The key is supposed to go on the pad just below the control knobs.

[@thomassneath8134]

2:07 - New Leaf???

[@CERDAD45]

Long Melford still looks good

[@YensR]

14:00 that accidental reversing sounds really sounds like a major issue to me. I wonder how many Zoes will reverse into the car behind them at a traffic stop or roundabout.

[@kenzohkw]

yup we've had reverse lockout since forever but then they do this. But i suppose its a Renault, it has to have stupid shit that lacks any sense. ie. they can't even make a proper cup holder.

[@rustyjoints4857]

When standing in traffic you don't need to touch the gear select and put it in neutral. Auto brake is perfect for this.

[@Jesus_Iced]

@@kenzohkw I've owned two Renaults and never had a problem with the cup holders. Had plenty of other problems though.

[@kenzohkw]

@@rustyjoints4857 i like very few others probably don't like being blinded by brake lights when at a stop. So if i'm driving an auto i always knock it into neutral when stopping for more than a few seconds because i believe in good driving etiquette and not blinding the driver behind me. This is becoming more and more annoying with everyone buying autos and just holding the brake on when they are stopped (plus braek lights are brighter than ever!). But hey ho, i'm not your average ignorant driver who can't fill the washer bottle or know how to use a headlight dipper.

[@rustyjoints4857]

@@kenzohkw I'm a bit confused here. If you pull up in traffic the car will stay in Drive and if using the auto brake function will hold the brake on so you can release the brake peddle therefor turning your brake lights off, there's no reverse involved (you don't even have to touch the gear select). When you then press the accelerator pedal the car will release the brake so you can set off. Are you comparing this to an ICE auto?

[@markbrocklehurst6129]

Take the mg evs for a drive and see

[@vitaliyyavtukhovskyi5947]

You might want to compare this to BMW i3 - a much more interesting car

[@LukeSills95]

Good video but you research about charging is completely incorrect. All Zoe's can charge at up to 22kw AC. In the ze40 and the 22kwh you could option the q motor for up to 43 kw AC charging. Only the ZE 50 can DC charge but that is an option.

[@03samjon1]

Definitely a glass half full type of review

[@Atombender]

Personally I like the Peugeot e-208 more but the Zoe will save you a couple grands.

[@redshift3]

The carrot to buy an EV doesn't come from the government, it comes from technolgy and the market. 4 miles per kWh and 7.5p/kWh (overnight) means a fuel cost of 1.9p/mile. That's got to be a massive saving over an ICE car. Also, as you mentioned at the start, your mate who lent you the Zoe doesn't have the inconvenience of visiting petrol stations because it's fully charged every morning

[@JayEmmOnCars]

EVs work really well in certain circumstances, but currently the inconsistency is wild - charging can be anything from free to more than a thirsty ICE

[@redshift3]

@@JayEmmOnCars yes, that's correct for free range charging. But for most EV drivers that only applies to a minority of journeys (and even less so for Zoe drivers). Most charging is done at home (for those lucky enough to have a driveway)

[@TheDavidsims]

e208 has much faster charging and better packaging (rear space and boot)

[@alanjenkins1508]

Electric cars need to be 30% cheaper than they are now for the government's electric future to be possible. This may mean going back in time to something like the 60s where even a car radio was an extra.

[@enricio]

Nice explanation of this nice driving car. Apparently Renault has no intention to proceed in developing this car. 😌

[@sjobbefin]

Careful! There are some factual mistakes in this review. Please have a look at other reviews also. Do not make buying decision only based on this video. Regards, ZE50 owner

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Can you please tell me what the mistakes are? Otherwise I will not be able to correct them in future...

[@sjobbefin]

@@JayEmmOnCars @2:00 - Zoe is registered for five (not 2+2) @3:00 - Zoe has really good amount of technology for its category if you spec it fully. I'm comparing to our primary car which is Model Y. Only thing really missing is adaptive cruise. @5:00 - Zoe has the largest battery in its segment. The entire video you are comparing it to cars from a different size segment. @15:35 - Zoe is fully keyless if you have the spec like I do. Opens on approach and locks when walking away. @15:40 - There is a place for the key in front of the "cigarette lighter" socket. There is a logo of the key on the rubber mat. We bought 2021 Model Y for 69k€ and lightly used 2020 Zoe (22tkm driven) for 25k€ and I prefer to drive Zoe for my work commute. Its a softer ride, bluetooth audio from phone is simpler to use and it charges at 22kW on AC while tesla only 11kW AC.

[@benistingray6097]

That wsa an upsy, you categorized it into the lesbian market, somebody WILL get offended 😂

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

The only sensible electric car is affordable (!), has a small battery for daily and a range extender for long distance driving. PS: "the remains of a Geography teacher" :D

[@richardskinner6391]

Range extender means it has all the issues of a petrol engine as well, half the benefit of an ev is reduced maintenance costs. While EVs are still not cheap (they are a LOT cheaper than they were for a lot more battery) they tend to depreciate less (the floor on an ev is a few grand as the battery is still worth something) making leases cheap. We have leased a Zoe ZE50 GT Line Rapid Charge, with winter pack, for £174/m Inc vat, with no deposit. There are few petrol cars I can get for that much, and then I'd have to pay for fuel as well.

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

@@richardskinner6391 First of all, the only reason EVs begin to be offered for somewhat competitive prices is government subsidies, something entirely dependent on ideology, not technology. Furthermore, a range extender is somewhat different from a typical hybrid car, it does away with the need for a gearbox, is optimised to run at full throttle and only runs during long distance travel, all of which limit maintenance costs. And finally, values for BEVs will plummet when (or if?) truly competitive battery and charging technology is available.

[@richardskinner6391]

@@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X personally, having owned a couple of EVs, I would not go near a Rex. I don't see a need for it. The range on the Zoe is more than enough, even for long journeys. My last EV was a leaf 30kw, and for that we had a diesel car for long journeys. With the Zoe, we rarely use the diesel. Yes, I realise a generator on board is less complex than a full hybrid, but it's still an ice engine needing maintenance, oil, filters, etc.

[@douglasdepirro8364]

Now?if only they would sell and service them here in the U.S.

[@jonathancollard3710]

Good review chap. I’ve always like the Zoe specifically as it looks like a “normal old school” city car, but then, I am over 50 and considered an old fart. Slightly related subject... watching F1 pole sessions on Saturday and was intrigued to see lots of adverts for BMW i3... a car launched in 2016 remember: so either they need to shift old stock or else they just need to drop overall CO2 quota perhaps... 🤔

[@kaitlyn__L]

I believe they recently increased the battery capacity? But they also launched a few new electric BMWs. Both would get them to shift older i3s off the lot.

[@andrewfrancis3591]

I don't own an MG but would find it hard for it to match the awful customer reputation of Renault

[@markchip1]

The designers deserve a kick in the butt for those blank buttons! It's WAY more sensible to have duplication and a choice of modus operandi than simply taking analog controls away. Don't try and tell me this lowers cost because that's horseshit!

[@boundish1]

I don't know man. The Taycan seemed better than the Zoe when i drove it :P Let's just avoid talking about the price tag..

[@redshift3]

Regarding your accidental selection of reverse, who puts an EV into neutral while in motion? I think you are probably in a small minority and should perhaps reconsider your driving habits.

[@tommyjakobsen5504]

Except to side airbacks are removed on the ze50, so eurocap is 0 star rated .

[@edthomas8486]

Do you really like the 17’s??????

[@edwardpurkis1084]

Yes😆

[@davebarron5939]

Just electric appliances. Sad how that one (even at 20K) is twice the price to my nearly identical Chevy Aveo that gets me 40MPG and not a drain on the taxpayers.

[@MercSLRFan]

'Reasonably' counter meltdown

[@CaroAbebe]

Sorry, the older Zoe could charge up to 43kW AC, the newer Zoes, including the ZE.50, can still charge 22kW AC as standard.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

The problem is finding any AC charging point beyond 7KW here in the UK seems very difficult (in my experience)

[@MKPatrick]

@@JayEmmOnCars I drive a Zoe every day. The town I drive to for work is awash with 22kw chargers, most of them free

[@Bin216]

The warm up from the app function is broken. It seems you need you take the car back to a dealer to have it updated. Apparently it has to be done by plugging a diagnostic computer in to car, despite the much vaunted over the air updates...

[@seltaeb9691]

Cue 4 years later & the Renault Scenic E-Tech, looks great, top spec & 379 miles. Leaps & bounds. Take that, fossil fuels.

[@Stefaon]

Le titre et la description en français, la vidéo en anglais : total manque de respect.

[@MKPatrick]

Shame this is so poorly research (key card, charging rates) as the review is pretty balanced. Not sure how you got the charging rates so badly wrong as a 30 second Google will tell you ALL Zoes charge at up to 22kw AC on a type 2 connector and the old Q models went up to 43kw.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

It was a misunderstanding. In practise it's not far wrong as most charging points don't tend to do AC much beyond 7.5kw that I find - 43kw AC seems rare

[@MKPatrick]

@@JayEmmOnCars 43s are indeed rare, 22s however are ten a penny where I live, and mostly free.

[@jameschapman4824]

@@JayEmmOnCars And don't forget that when plugged into a AC rapid charger, and there are plenty of these, they will still charge at 22kw. So there's that.