Renault confirmed its position as Europe’s number one EV brand in 2018 with almost 50,000 units sold and 22.2% market share. The stylish ZOE is the brand’s best-selling electric model, while the practical Kangoo Z.E. is the top-selling electric van. ZOE, with a range of up to 317km, is the only long-range electric vehicle in Ireland under €25,000. With its unique ability to rapid charge at 22kW at over 1,000 public charging points around Ireland, ZOE is arguably the best EV for Ireland’s infrastructure. With ZOE, customers can charge at a rate of 85km in just 30 minutes, without restricting themselves to over-crowded fast charging points.
Renault has announced exciting changes to the electric ZOE line-up for 2019, with the Z.E. 40 long-range battery now standard across the range. The entry-level trim for ZOE, Expression R90 gives customers all of the key features needed in an EV, including the 22kW Chameleon charger and standard R-Link navigation with 7” touch screen. The Expression also offers heat pump climate control as standard.
A new, more powerful R110 motor is available on both Dynamique Nav and Signature Nav versions of ZOE. This new motor’s generous 110 hp makes ZOE more fun to drive than ever. The Dynamique Nav version also offers rear parking sensors, hands-free key card entry as well as the added benefit of automatic lights and wipers, while Signature Nav trim includes leather seats, parking camera and BOSE audio as standard.
Dynamique Nav and Signature Nav trim levels are also available with the Q90 motor. At fast AC charging points (43kW), Q90 versions charge almost twice as fast as ZOE versions with the standard motor. Renault ZOE pricing starts from €24,990 after VRT relief and SEAI grant, including full battery purchase. ZOE is available with 0% finance through Renault Bank, and available for a 24-hour test drive in all 26 Renault dealerships across the country.
Launched in 2018, Kangoo Z.E. 33 quickly became Ireland’s best-selling electric van, priced from €28,190 after the SEAI grant of €3,800 for businesses. The van’s 7kW AC charger can take its 33kWh battery to a full charge in just six hours, with the ability to ‘top-up’ the vehicle by up to 33km in just one hour.
Companies buying both ZOE and Kangoo can avail of accelerated capital allowances, enabling them to write down the value of their vehicles in a single year, while employees can benefit from 0% BIK. In addition, Renault offers Renault Mobility, an in-house, app-controlled car-sharing solution which simplifies the management of pool cars. Unlike a petrol or diesel pool car, a Renault Mobility ZOE pool car allows employees overnight use with no tax implications thanks to the 0% BIK rating.
Renault is demonstrating its commitment to electric vehicles by appointing a dedicated Z.E. Champion in each of its Irish dealerships, an electric vehicle expert who will be on hand to answer all customer queries about EVs using real-life experience. Renault has also introduced Z.E. Pass which operates in several European countries, including Ireland, allowing customers to charge their EVs on a wide variety of networks, using a single account via a smartphone app.
Patrick Magee, Country Operations Director, Renault Ireland: “The electric vehicle market is growing in Ireland and we are proud to have the only long-range electric vehicle in Ireland under €25,000, the ZOE Z.E. 40, now available with more powerful motors and added extras as standard. EVs are forecast to double annually in the coming years, potentially reaching as much as 6% of the new car market in 2020. Our electric range’s rapid-charging capabilities and 0% APR finance make it a perfect choice for Irish motorists and 0% B.I.K offers added benefits for fleet customers. We encourage those considering the switch to electric to drop into any Renault dealership and experience our EVs for 24 hours!”
