Zoe (France, 2012)

Renault has debuted its electric car called the Zoe, and for the first time it seems like a major automaker is offering an electric car to the mass public with a decent range for a realistic price. The Zoe will go on sale with three trim levels: Life, Zen and Intens. Renault is even being honest with the car's range by saying that it is rated at 210km but will drop to 100km during very cold conditions.

There is one major downside in that buyers will have to lease the battery from Renault for €79 a month  with a contract covering 12,500km per year for three years. 

Renault filed 60 technological patents in building the Zoe, and it has six world premiere technologies. Despite its technological prowess, the Zoe Life will start for €15,700 while the top Zoe Intens starts at €17,500; these prices have France's €5,000 electric car subsidy already deducted. 

The base Zoe Life gives an idea of the technology packed into the Zoe. The car comes with Renault's OptimiZEr system that uses braking regeneration, a heat pump and low rolling-resistance Michelin tires to maximize range. It also uses the Chameleon battery charging system that recharges the battery in a maximum of nine hours. It can charge the car up to its full 43kW in a slow charge or quick charge the car to 22kW in one hour. The Zoe is the first Renault vehicle to get the new R-Link system, which is a 7in touch screen with navigation from TomTom. There is also an app for your computer or phone that helps you find the nearest charging location.

The Zoe Zen adds some luxury features to the Life, but it is mechanically identical. It adds an air ionizer, scent diffuser, a toxicity sensor that detects air pollution and Teflon upholstery. 

The top level Zoe Intens gets a rear parking sensor and rear camera. It also has a 3D sound system, 16in wheels and the My Z.E Interactive Pack that allows drivers to charge the battery or activate the climate control system remotely using a smartphone or computer.