The Renault Zoe was one of the early electric cars to make electric motoring accessible to a much wider audience. First introduced in 2013, the Zoe was designed specifically as an electric car rather than being converted from an existing petrol or diesel model.
Over the years, Renault improved the Zoe’s battery capacity, range, performance and charging technology. This means there are now several versions of the car on the used market, ranging from early 22kWh models to later cars with a 52kWh battery.
In this Renault Zoe review, we look at the different versions available, range, charging, reliability, running costs and the important things to check before buying a used example.
The best Zoe for you depends largely on your budget, typical journeys and how much range you need.
There are significant differences between early and later versions, so understanding the various batteries and motors is important when looking at used cars. This is one of the first things to consider when reading a Renault Zoe review and deciding which version suits you.
If range is your priority, look for a later Zoe with the 52kWh battery.
The facelifted Zoe introduced a 52kWh battery and was available with R110 and R135 electric motors. Depending on the exact version, official WLTP range figures are around 240 miles.
Real-world range will be lower and varies according to temperature, speed, driving style, traffic and the use of heating or air conditioning.
For buyers prioritising range, the 52kWh model is generally the most versatile choice, although a Renault Zoe review should always distinguish between official range figures and what you can realistically expect to achieve.
The early 22kWh Zoe can be considerably cheaper to buy than later models.
These cars can make sense if you mainly need an inexpensive city or commuter car and have convenient access to charging. However, their smaller battery means that the range is much more limited.
Battery condition is particularly important with an older electric car, so a cheap purchase price should not be the only consideration.
A good Renault Zoe review should therefore look beyond the advertised price and consider battery condition, charging capability and the likely cost of ownership.
For many used-car buyers, a Zoe with the 41kWh battery offers a good compromise between purchase price and usable range.
The 41kWh battery was a major improvement over the original 22kWh unit and made the Zoe considerably more useful for everyday driving.
If you are looking at an older used Zoe but need more flexibility than the original model provides, the 41kWh version is worth considering.
For many buyers, this may be the sweet spot identified in a Renault Zoe review, particularly if a newer 52kWh car is outside the budget.
Later Zoe models were offered with different electric motors.
The R110 produces around 107bhp, while the R135 produces around 134bhp. The R135 is the quickest version and is better suited to drivers who regularly use faster roads.
Electric motors deliver instant torque, so even the less powerful versions can feel responsive around town.
The Zoe is primarily designed as a small urban and commuter car, which is an important point to consider in a Renault Zoe review when deciding whether it suits your needs.
Its electric motor provides smooth and quiet acceleration, making it particularly easy to drive around town. There is no conventional gearbox to operate, while regenerative braking can recover energy when slowing down. This makes the driving experience one of the key strengths highlighted in our Renault Zoe review.
The Zoe is less impressive when driven hard on faster roads. Earlier versions can feel less responsive at higher speeds, while the R110 and R135 provide stronger performance.
Overall, the driving experience is one of the Zoe’s strengths, especially for drivers who mainly use their car around town. That makes driving performance an important part of any Renault Zoe review.
A Renault Zoe review needs to consider how the car performs in everyday conditions rather than simply concentrating on its technical specifications.
Range depends heavily on which battery you choose.
Early Zoes used a 22kWh battery and had a much shorter official range. Later cars introduced the 41kWh battery, while the newer generation brought the 52kWh battery.
According to What Car?’s Renault Zoe review and specifications, official range figures vary significantly between versions.
Real-world range will always depend on how and where you drive. Cold weather can reduce an electric car’s range, while motorway driving at higher speeds generally uses more energy than slower urban driving.
If you are buying a used Zoe, do not choose a car purely because of its advertised maximum range. Think about your normal journeys and whether the vehicle can comfortably complete them without requiring frequent charging.
This is an important part of a Renault Zoe review because the range you actually achieve matters more than the headline figure.
Charging times vary considerably depending on the battery, charging equipment and specification of the car, so charging performance deserves attention in any Renault Zoe review.
A home 7kW charger can take several hours to charge a Zoe, making overnight charging particularly convenient.
Some versions can also make use of 22kW AC public chargers, which can provide considerably faster charging than a typical domestic supply.
The charging equipment fitted to a particular Zoe is therefore something worth checking before buying. Two otherwise similar-looking cars can have significantly different charging capabilities.
You can use Zapmap to explore the UK’s public charging network and see what charging options are available around the places you regularly travel.
If you regularly make longer journeys, check the car’s charging specification as carefully as its battery size and range. This is another area a Renault Zoe review should cover because charging capability can have a major effect on how practical a used EV is.
Reliability is one of the areas that deserves particular attention when buying a used Zoe.
The absence of a conventional petrol or diesel engine means there are fewer traditional mechanical components to worry about, but an electric car still contains numerous electrical and mechanical systems that can develop faults.
According to What Car?’s Renault Zoe reliability information, reported problems have included the 12V battery, air conditioning, brakes, bodywork and electrical systems.
That does not mean every Zoe is unreliable. Many owners have been happy with their cars, particularly because of their low running costs and simple electric driving experience.
However, a used Zoe should be inspected carefully. Any warning messages, charging problems or electrical faults should be investigated before purchase.
Reliability is therefore an important part of a Renault Zoe review, particularly when considering an older example.
There are several areas worth checking when viewing a used Zoe. A thorough inspection is one of the most useful parts of a Renault Zoe review for anyone considering buying one.
Make sure the car can charge correctly and, where possible, test the charging process before buying.
Electrical and charging problems can be particularly frustrating because a vehicle that cannot charge properly may effectively be unusable until it has been repaired.
Check the charging socket, charging cable and any associated warning messages.
The Zoe has a conventional 12V battery as well as its high-voltage traction battery.
The 12V battery has been one of the reported problem areas, so check for warning messages, starting problems or unusual electrical behaviour.
Air conditioning and heating problems have also been reported on used Zoes.
Make sure the climate-control system works correctly during your test drive. This is particularly important if you intend to use the car throughout the winter.
Make sure the brakes operate smoothly and that there are no warning lights or unusual noises.
Also check the condition of the discs and pads, particularly on cars that have spent much of their lives being driven gently around town.
You should also check whether the particular vehicle has any outstanding recalls. The GOV.UK vehicle recall service can be used to check recall information for eligible vehicles.
The Zoe is often used as a city car, so inspect the bodywork carefully for parking damage, scratches and dents.
Check the interior, infotainment system, navigation, electric windows and other electrical equipment before committing to the purchase.
These checks are particularly important when comparing individual cars, as a Renault Zoe review can only provide general guidance rather than confirming the condition of a specific used example.
The traction battery is one of the most important things to investigate when buying a used electric car, making battery condition a key part of any Renault Zoe review.
Battery capacity naturally decreases over time, so an older Zoe may not achieve the same range that it did when new.
If possible, obtain information about the battery’s condition and charging performance before buying. A test drive should also give you an opportunity to check whether the displayed range appears reasonable for the vehicle’s age, battery size and conditions.
Renault provides information about battery warranties and coverage through its official Renault E-Tech electric battery information, but the exact warranty remaining on a used Zoe will depend on the vehicle and its original terms.
Battery condition is another key consideration in a Renault Zoe review because the health of the battery can have a major effect on range and the overall value of an older electric car.
One unusual feature of early Renault Zoes was the option to lease the battery separately from the vehicle.
This helped reduce the purchase price when the Zoe was new, but it is something that used-car buyers need to understand.
Some used Zoes were sold with battery-leasing arrangements, while others have the battery owned outright.
Always establish exactly what you are buying before agreeing a price. A Zoe with a battery lease can have ongoing costs that need to be included when calculating the overall cost of ownership.
This is one of the most important differences between buying an early Zoe and buying a later model, and it should be covered in any Renault Zoe review aimed at used-car buyers.
One of the biggest attractions of the Zoe is its potential for low running costs.
There is no petrol or diesel to buy, and an electric motor has fewer moving parts than a conventional internal-combustion engine.
If you can charge at home, overnight charging can be particularly convenient and may be cheaper than relying exclusively on public charging.
However, your actual costs depend on your electricity tariff, annual mileage and how much you use public charging.
You should also budget for servicing, tyres, insurance and repairs. An electric car is not maintenance-free, even though it does not have an engine requiring conventional engine oil.
For more general advice on keeping motoring costs down, see our guide to how to be more fuel-efficient when driving.
Running costs are one of the biggest reasons people consider the Zoe and are therefore an important part of this Renault Zoe review.
Insurance costs vary according to the driver’s circumstances, vehicle specification and location.
Do not assume that an electric car will automatically be cheaper or more expensive to insure than a petrol or diesel equivalent.
When comparing used Zoes, obtain insurance quotes for the exact registration or specification you are considering. This will help establish the true running cost before buying.
The age and value of the vehicle, repair costs and your own circumstances can all affect the insurance premium.
A complete Renault Zoe review should therefore consider insurance alongside charging, servicing, tyres and other ownership costs rather than looking only at energy costs.
As with any used car, take your time and check the vehicle thoroughly.
Pay particular attention to:
It is also worth checking the car’s documentation carefully. If you are buying a used electric car for the first time, understanding the battery, charging equipment and warranty situation is just as important as checking the usual mechanical condition.
For more advice, read our guide on how to buy a used car safely.
A thorough inspection is essential and should be a key part of any Renault Zoe review aimed at used-car buyers.
Safety is an area where the Zoe’s reputation needs some qualification.
The Renault Zoe received a five-star Euro NCAP rating when it was originally tested in 2013, but safety-test standards became considerably more demanding over time.
When the facelifted Zoe was reassessed by Euro NCAP in 2021, it received a zero-star rating.
You can see the full test information on the official Euro NCAP Renault Zoe results.
This does not mean that every Zoe is inherently unsafe in everyday driving, but it is an important consideration when comparing the Zoe with newer electric cars.
Anyone buying a used Zoe should therefore check the specific equipment and safety features fitted to the car rather than relying on its original five-star rating.
Safety is an important consideration in our Renault Zoe review because buyers should understand that the car’s original Euro NCAP result does not tell the whole story.
The Renault Zoe can still make a lot of sense as a used electric car, particularly if you want an affordable vehicle for commuting, urban driving and shorter daily journeys.
Its biggest strengths are its low running costs, quiet electric drivetrain, compact dimensions and the availability of several battery sizes.
However, there are important differences between early and later models. A cheap 22kWh Zoe is a very different proposition from a later 52kWh R135, while battery ownership, charging capability and vehicle condition can have a major effect on the overall value.
The Zoe’s safety rating also deserves consideration, particularly when comparing it with newer electric cars. This is another important point covered in our Renault Zoe review.
A good Renault Zoe review therefore needs to look at the complete ownership proposition rather than simply asking how far the car can travel on a charge.
The Renault Zoe played an important role in making electric cars more accessible and remains an interesting option on the used market.
If you are looking for a cheap electric car for mainly local journeys, an early Zoe could offer excellent value, provided the battery and charging system are in good condition.
For buyers who need more flexibility, a 41kWh or 52kWh model is likely to be a better choice. The larger battery provides significantly more usable range and makes the Zoe more practical for a wider variety of journeys.
The most important thing is to buy the right Zoe for your needs rather than simply choosing the cheapest example available.
Before buying, check the battery, charging system, battery ownership arrangement, recalls, service history and overall condition carefully.
Overall, our Renault Zoe review finds that the Zoe remains an appealing used EV for the right buyer, particularly when low running costs and easy urban driving are more important than long-distance touring ability.
If you are looking for a used Renault Zoe or another second-hand electric car, you can browse the used cars available on MotorHype.
For more electric-car advice, buying guides and motoring information, visit our latest car news and guides.
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