Renault sharpens Zoe EV price, but updated model delayed

The COVID-19 saga appears to have delayed the Australian launch of Renault’s updated longer-range Zoe electric vehicle (EV) – though sharp runout deals just made the outgoing version more appealing, 

While the updated Zoe is confirmed to go on sale locally as a competitor to the Nissan Leaf ($49,990 before on-road costs), Hyundai Ioniq ($48,490 before ORC) and MG eZS ($46,990 drive-away), Renault Australia concedes there’s uncertainty around the date, which had reportedly been pencilled in for mid-2020. 

Factories across Europe are only just now gearing up after being closed while the virus ravaged. The Zoe is assembled in Flint, France. The company told us this week that the precise arrival date was being worked on now. 

We’d speculate that heavy European demand also doesn’t help our cause here. The chic little Zoe was Europe’s second most popular EV after the Tesla Model 3 last month. 

The updated Zoe has a higher-capacity 52kWh battery enabling a 395km WLTP driving range, a punchier 100kW drive motor, and more contemporary infotainment with a larger screen than the outgoing model.

However, the company’s local arm is running a campaign to sell out remaining stock of the outgoing model for $49,990 drive-away, with a 7kW wallbox and installation thrown in free-of-charge, and an extended five-year/150,000km warranty. 

The pre-facelift Zoe currently being sold in Australia has a 41kWh battery, a 68kW motor, and a 300km claimed driving range in optimal warm conditions.

“With the $150K instant asset write [off], this offer represents a fantastic opportunity for small businesses looking to upgrade their fleet to pure electric,” said Renault Australia managing director Anouk Poelmann.

“The inclusion of a drive-away pricing and a fully installed charging station – valued at up to $6000 – make this package a perfect solution for small businesses in the lead up to the end of the financial year, while the [five year] warranty extension adds peace of mind motoring.”