The Alliance press release

06/07/2012

1,618 KM in 24 hours: a new world record for ZOE

ZOE has set a new world record for the longest distance travelled in 24 hours by a production electric car. ZOE completed 363 laps of the Aubevoye speed ring in Normandy, a distance of 1,618 km. It thereby betters the former record of 1,280 km by 25%.

ZOE improves the former 24-hour distance record for a production electric car by 25%.
ZOE has clearly demonstrated its performance and reliability, highlighting the significance of its best-in-class range and revolutionary Caméléon charger.
ZOE can be reserved from today on renault-ze.com, with VIP content available to the first customers.

The story behind the record

Aubevoye, Friday June 1, 2012, 4:00 pm. Two Renault ZOE vehicles set out on the speed ring at the Aubevoye technical centre (CTA) in Normandy. Fifteen drivers from Aubevoye, Cléon, Sandouville, Flins, Douai and Grand Couronne take turns at the wheel, driving and charging as necessary. Twenty-four hours later, the two ZOE vehicles cross the finishing line, with mileage of 1,618 km and 1,506 km respectively. Both models have fulfilled their promise with a demonstration of performance and endurance.

For this performance, ZOE was able to take advantage of a major technological breakthrough: the Caméléon charger. This original world-first system makes ZOE compatible with any socket and any power level. ZOE was therefore able to be fast-charged at 43 kW, regaining 80% of battery capacity in under thirty minutes. This challenge was also made possible by the best-in-class NEDC range of 210 km (between 100 and 150 km in real conditions, depending on conditions of use). Overall, the finalist ZOE was fast-charged 18 times in 24 hours.

“This is a superb technical and human adventure. This victory is the result of a joint commitment to showcasing the quality of Renault electric vehicles,” says, with enthusiasm, Bernard Dumondel, Customer Specifications Electric Vehicles Director and challenge coordinator.

ZOE shows that a new era is possible

Looking beyond this performance, which was conducted in the presence of an official observer and which pending the Guinness Book of Records homologation, this feat is an answer to the question: How far can ZOE go?

“We completed this operation in two months. In April, we started calculations to check feasibility with the Group electric powertrain department. In early May, we started track runs and established a strategy. We decided to keep the production car without any changes. We were confident and we were right,” says Philippe Vinot, Reliability/Durability Coordinator.

The launch of Renault ZOE marks the start of a new era in which electric mobility becomes accessible to everybody. It is a major step forward for cars and for Renault. In its 110 years of history, the brand has shown its ability to innovate with the clear aim of bringing technology to the greatest number. ZOE embodies Renault’s excellence in electric technology. It is compact, attractive vehicle and also affordable (from €15,700).

ZOE will be available in dealerships at the end of the year. Customers can reserve a ZOE on renault-ze.com from today, in order to be one of the VIP customers receiving exclusive content.

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