F&I Management & Training

Renault's star electric supermini ZOE is glowing after being named the most environmentally friendly fleet motor in the business.

The well-established ‘Techies' are the only awards in the industry that reward technological innovation in the corporate marketplace, helping fleets operate in a cheaper, cleaner or more efficient way.

Winning the Green Development category at the BusinessCar Fleet Technology Awards, the judges were blown away by sophisticated ZOE's industry-leading kit. Among its highlights, five ‘world premiere' features and 60 patents designed to deliver user-friendliness, range and connectivity.

BusinessCar Editor Paul Barker said: "The Renault ZOE is a huge boost to the electric vehicle sector because it's clearly the most attractive model to enter this fledgling marketplace. Renault's commitment to and investment in zero tailpipe emission vehicles is helping fleets meet their environmental and cost objectives in terms of running their vehicles, and deserves commendation."

The flagship vehicle of the French brand's four-strong 100 per cent electric vehicle range is stylish, affordable and incredibly versatile - perfect for commuting and tailor-made for environmentally aware businesses who want to downsize their fleet's engines and carbon footprint."

Phil York, Renault UK's Marketing Director, said: "ZOE represents cutting edge technology in a truly stylish package, offering everybody the opportunity to ‘go electric' at the same price as diesel-engined alternatives. 

"ZOE is a major step forward in useful technology and makes a genuine difference to the environment and the way people drive. We are delighted this has been recognised at the Techies and are very proud to receive this Green award."

ZOE hit UK showrooms in June and has a starting price of only £13,995 on-the-road after the UK Government Plug-in Car Grant deduction. It's available in three trim levels and expertly combines advanced technology with a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. Monthly battery hire starts from £70 per month.

The ‘Range OptimiZEr' package of three major innovations (bi-modal regenerative braking, heat pump and Michelin EnergyTM E-V tyres) helps ZOE deliver the longest range of any purely electric vehicle in its class -  a considerable 130 miles. In real world driving, this is likely to be circa 90 miles, depending on driving style, road and weather conditions.

To make life easy, its Chameleon charger is compatible with various power sources to provide charging from 3kW up to 43kW. Depending on the power of the charging station, this results in a charging time of either 30 minutes (Fast Charge), one hour (Rapid Charge) or up to four hours from its free 7kW domestic single Wallbox, supplied and installed by British Gas.

ZOE's R-Link comprises a seven-inch embedded tablet in the dashboard with touchscreen display, steering wheel-mounted controls and voice recognition. It also features a connected store giving access to specific apps and services, as well as email and tweets.

Running alongside this innovation, the My Z.E. Inter@ctive app enables ZOE drivers to control pre-conditioning (cooling or heating of cabin temperature) and charging schedules from their smartphone or tablet - ensuring their car is always ready for business. The built-in sat nav also identifies the closest charging points en route.

The ‘Z.E. Voice' warns pedestrians of the vehicle's approach up to speeds of 18 mph, while ZOE's ‘Take Care' package includes an air ioniser to combat air pollution filtering into the cabin, as well as a fragrance diffuser to give a relaxing or stimulating environment according to occupant preference.

The Techies are judged by BusinessCar's expert panel, including new ACFO - the premier organisation for fleet operators - chairman Damian James.

For more information on ZOE as well as the complete Renault electric vehicle line-up, see www.renault.co.uk\ze. More details on the awards can be found at www.businesscar.co.uk or in the latest awards-special magazine.

DATED: 20.08.13

FEED: HA