Summary
The Renault Zoe is a small supermini-class five-door hatchback. Unlike other cars of similar size, the Zoe is only available as an electric vehicle. The current model was launched in late 2019, and is a major update on the pioneering original Zoe rather than an all-new model.
Although similar in design to the original model, the latest Zoe represents a sizeable evolution in abilities and goes a long way to addressing some of the critical shortcomings of electric vehicles – the most important of which is battery range.
Like the first-generation Zoe, the new model has received considerable praise from the UK motoring media for matching the convenience of a petrol car for city driving, while also providing the smooth and powerful drive of an electric car. However, the latest Zoe now has some serious rivals that were not around when the original was launched – namely the Peugeot e-208 and Vauxhall Corsa-e, as well as alternative choices like the Kia Soul or Mini Electric.
In December 2021, independent safety test body Euro NCAP issued the Renault Zoe with a worst-possible score of zero stars. It summarised the result by saying that the Zoe “… offers poor protection in crashes overall, poor vulnerable road user protection and lacks meaningful crash avoidance technology, disqualifying it for any stars.”
As of June 2023, the Renault Zoe has an Expert Rating of 62% from 29 UK reviews on our unique Expert Rating index. This score dropped nine points from its 2021 score as a result of the Zoe’s abysmal zero-star Euro NCAP test results.
Key specifications
Body style: Small five-door hatchback
Power: electric, battery-powered
Price: From £29,995 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2019
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: R135 ZE 50
“The Zoe didn’t need to change much to get a positive review, but Renault has been clever to overhaul it where it needed it and lightly fettle where it didn’t. The result is a smart-looking EV with a delightfully punchy motor that makes it more fun to drive than any conventionally powered alternative.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Renault Zoe is a capable small electric car, but is ultimately let down by its poor safety rating.”
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Model reviewed: R135 ZE 50 GT Line
Score: 8 / 10
“The Renault Zoe continues to lead the way in the small, affordable electric car segment. It’s cheaper than the Nissan Leaf, more practical than the Vauxhall Corsa-e, and delivers more range than either of them.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Renault Zoe is one of the best EVs you can buy, and not just because it’s one of the cheapest. It’s impressively practical for its size and nicely finished inside, while on the road it combines comfort, quietness and fun in a well-rounded dynamic package. All that, and zero tailpipe emissions.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“For the sort of limited-mileage semi-urban running most Renault Zoe buyers are likely to undertake, it remains an ideal choice as an electric hatch. It’s the sort of makeover that will help to keep Zoe relevant as the electrification movement gathers pace.”
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Model reviewed: R135 ZE 50
Score: 8 / 10
“Early adopter of electric power has been refined rather than reinvented.”
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Business Car
Model reviewed: R135
Score: 9 / 10
“Grown-up and a big step on from its earlier self, we are impressed at how the Renault Zoe manages to consolidate its place in an increasingly competitive market. The new Zoe could realistically become an even bigger name in fleet, and now can even work as a feasible small family car too.”
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Car
Model reviewed: R135
Score: 8 / 10
“With every update and facelift that passes, the Renault Zoe becomes more and more desirable for mainstream car buyers. The trouble for Renault is that all of its rivals have more than zero Euro NCAP stars. And no matter how low the risk of an accident, that rating is surely always going to be at the back of your mind.” (Adam Binnie)
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The Renault Zoe is a hugely accomplished EV that can rival cars three times as expensive when it comes to its seriously impressive 245-mile range. The appealing driving experience and vastly improved interior are all bonuses to what is a seriously well-rounded electric car.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.2 / 10
“The Renault Zoe is a stylish electric supermini that’s affordable and has a decent range, making it very convincing.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Renault Zoe is a small electric car with punchy performance and an impressive range. It’s far from the roomiest EV on sale, however, and feels cheap in places.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: R135 ZE50 GT-Line
“Improved range is welcome and Renault has combined that with a series of minor upgrades that help keep the Zoe in the mix against a raft of new small electric hatchback rivals.”
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Daily Mail
Model reviewed: GT Line R135
“The Renault Zoe is a testament to how far electric cars have come in a relatively short time. Buy a new Zoe today – with its 238-mile range – and unless you regularly do 100 mile-plus journeys then you’d probably notice very little practical difference to running a conventional petrol or diesel car.”
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Daily Mirror
Model reviewed: R135 ZE 50 GT Line
Score: 6 / 10
“With a wall box at home, the latest Renault Zoe would be very easy to live with. The improvement in quality has made a difference and the range now removes all hint of battery anxiety. It’s a practical and useful urban runabout that’s more than fast enough if you select the more powerful motor.”
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Discover EV
Model reviewed: GT Line R135 ZE 50
Score: 8 / 10
“Renault hasn’t changed the formula too much since the Zoe was launched in 2012. It set out as an affordable small, electric family car for the masses and it just about still is (bearing in mind electric cars still don’t cost the same as their petrol equivalents).”
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Driving Electric
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The current Renault Zoe has a better interior and longer range than the original – but a low safety score comes as a surprise.”
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Electrifying.com
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 5 / 10
“It might be one of the least expensive electric cars, but the Renault Zoe is a solid little hatchback with a long driving range and some decent tech. We worry about the crash safety rating though.”
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Eurekar
Model reviewed: Range overview
“The Zoe is smart and modern, and to help make the switch to electric driving, Renault will fit a home charger free at any buyer’s property. With the electric revolution now a certainty in the motoring world, battery electric cars will become more and more popular, especially among everyday models.”
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Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: R135 Z.E. 50 GT Line
Score: 8 / 10
“We liked the Renault Zoe when it first appeared, and we still like it today. It’s always offered electric motoring at a relatively affordable price, it has decent interior space in relation to its footprint, it looks good, and it’s essentially good to drive.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Renault Zoe is conclusive proof that the modern electric car is fit for purpose. It is a pleasure to drive and later models have the range to be viable in single-car households.”
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Move Electric
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Renault Zoe is practical, good-looking, easy to drive and is relatively affordable. Its range figures are commendable for a car of this size. Our only watch out is that safety rating, which is pretty sobering. If you can get over that, it represents a brilliant starting point if you are making the switch from a petrol or diesel car, or a terrific do-it-all small electric car.” (Jim Holder)
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“A good electric car, now tainted by a zero-rated safety score.”
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The Sun
Model reviewed: Van Business+
“Renault’s Zoe works well as cute, trendy, good range electric car but not as a practical van”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: R135 ZE 50 GT Line
Score: 7 / 10
“Despite a few niggles, the Renault Zoe is a pretty brilliant compact family car that’s most at home on school runs, shopping trips and commutes, though is capable of stretching its legs when needed, especially if the DC rapid charging option has been fitted.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: R135
Score: 8 / 10
“While this big round of changes has, by and large, brought the Renault Zoe up to date, they can’t entirely hide its age. Rear seat space is now decidedly below par and, try as it might, the Zoe simply doesn’t have the same dynamism as its younger, fresher rivals.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Renault mends the bits that needed mending and leaves the bits that didn’t. A big step forwards.”
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Model reviewed: GT Line
“The Renault Zoe could serve as your only car. But only if you are careful to spec the optional CCS (ie DC) charger port. That’s the first time it’s been available on a Zoe. Grrr: it costs extra. On the other hand, you get a free 7kW home wallbox.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Renault Zoe is great value, fairly practical and has a long range between charges. Its flawed driving position and less comfortable ride make the Peugeot e-208 a better buy, though – assuming you can live with the e-208’s slightly shorter range.”
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Which?
Model reviewed: Range overview
“This could once have been the car to convince you to go electric. The Renault Zoe is desirable thanks to a much revised interior and a useable range of 208 miles between charges. However, having received a shocking zero-star rating in its latest Euro NCAP crash test assessment, we simply cannot recommend it.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 0 stars
Date tested: December 2021
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 43%
Child protection: 52%
Vulnerable road users: 41%
Safety assist: 14%
Notes on safety rating
In December 2021, Euro NCAP assessed the Renault Zoe and awarded it the lowest-possible score of zero stars – only the third car in Euro NCAP’s history to ever receive such a poor score.
The safety organisation slammed the Zoe, stating: “The Renault Zoe offers poor protection in crashes overall, poor vulnerable road user protection and lacks meaningful crash avoidance technology, disqualifying it for any stars.”
Matthew Avery, the chief research strategy office at UK’s Thatcham Research, said: “It is a serious concern to see results like this in 2021, especially from a carmaker who has previously performed well in Euro NCAP testing. The adult occupant score of 43% for the Renault Zoe is the lowest we have seen in 11 years.
“Drivers should not have to trade off safety for zero emissions. Motorists can still save the planet and enjoy a car that could play a vital role in saving their family in the event of a crash. There are many other options of a similar price and size that have achieved solid ratings and feature a host of active safety systems as standard too.”
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
Model tested: R110 ZE50
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2020
Read the full Green NCAP review
Energy Efficiency Index: 10 / 10
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 11
Average repair cost: £200.38
Last updated: June 2023
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
As of June 2023, the Renault Zoe has an excellent reliability score of 79%, according to warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner MotorEasy. The only caveat to this score is that it comes from a relatively small number of data points, so it could change significantly as more repair bills are added to the database.
This data covers both the existing (2019 onwards) Renault Zoe and the original model (prior to 2019).
In addition to being seemingly very reliable, the repair bills to date have been very low – an average of only £200. All in all, a used Renault Zoe looks like being a safe bet for reliability.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Renault Zoe has received
2023
- Auto Trader Awards – Best Car for New Drivers
2022
- What Car? Electric Awards – Best Used Small Car
2021
- Auto Express Awards – Best Affordable Electric Car
- What Car? Awards – Best Small Electric Car
- Auto Trader New Car Awards – Best Car for New Drivers
- Carbuyer Awards – Best Small Electric Car
2020
- What Car? Awards – Best Small Electric Car
- Carbuyer Awards – Best Small Electric Car
- Top Gear Electric Awards – Best Supermini
- Top Gear Awards – Best City Car
- Fleet World Awards – Best Green Fleet Car
2019
- DrivingElectric Awards – Car of the Year + Best Small Electric Car
- Top Gear Awards – Best City Car
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Renault Zoe, you might also be interested in these alternatives
BMW i3 | Fiat 500 Electric | Honda e | Kia Soul EV | Mini Electric | Peugeot e-208 | SEAT Mii Electric | Smart EQ Forfour | Toyota Yaris Hybrid | Vauxhall Corsa-e | Volkswagen e-Up
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