Renault reveals most powerful Zoe EV yet

Renault has revealed the most powerful version yet of its all-electric city car Zoe, now packing 107bhp.

The new motor, dubbed R110, is the same size as the R90 it replaces at the top of the Zoe performance tree, but delivers 16bhp more. Renault says that a series of innovations allowed it to find more power without increasing the motor’s size or weight.

The French car manufacturer says that acceleration at lower speeds is identical to the R90 because of the matching 225Nm of torque. The extra power is felt at higher speeds, with a claimed two seconds being shaved off the car’s 50–75mph time, which now sits at 10 seconds.

However, despite the extra power, there should be no impact on the real-world driving range of 186 miles.

Elisabeth Delval, assistant programme director for the Renault Zoe, said: “Thanks to this power boost, Zoe is even more responsive and versatile when used for journeys out of town.

“In addition to being able to enjoy the pleasure of driving a Zoe, drivers will also benefit from the longest range available for a mass-market electric car.”

Other updates to the Zoe range for 2018 include Android Auto smartphone connection, which allows some Android apps such as Waze and Spotify to be used through the car’s infotainment system.

There’s also a new metallic purple body colour called Aconite, and the option of a purple interior pack that adds a violet satin finish to the cabin trim and upholstery.

Sales of the Zoe have been increasing rapidly, mirroring the increased appetite for alternatively fuelled vehicles across the new car market. In January, electrified car sales were up nearly 25 per cent compared with the year before.

Renault says it has built nearly 100,000 Zoes at its plant in France, and saw sales increase 44 per cent in 2017.