Renault Samsung offers EV test drives

Renault Samsung's Zoe EV model / Courtesy of Renault Samsung

By Kim Bo-eun

Renault Samsung is offering test drives of its electric vehicles (EVs) for members of the public, as a means to promote interest in EVs.

The carmaker has partnered with local authorities and the Korea Electric Vehicle Association (KEVA) to enable test drives of its EV model Zoe across the country.

For this month, test drives are available in Cheongju, Busan, Gwacheon, Pyeongtaek, Yangpyeong, Gapyeong, Gimcheon and Sangju. Drives will be available in the cities of Sejong and Wonju in May.

Participants will also be able to take part in an information session about the technologies incorporated in EVs.

Renault Samsung is also running an event at Shinsegae Simon Premium Outlets, where visitors can test drive the Zoe and other models of the carmaker. The event will run until the end of this month.

Visitors to Renault Samsung dealerships across the country will be able to test drive the QM6 until April 26.

KEVA selected Renault Samsung's Zoe as this year's EV sedan. The model was the most-sold EV model in Europe last year, beating sales of Tesla models.

The Zoe has seen sales of an accumulated 300,000 vehicles globally. Renault Samsung said the vehicle has had no battery fires, and attests to its safety and quality.

The Zoe has a 54.5 kilowatt-hour battery that enables a 309-kilometer travel range when fully charged. The model is available for less than 30 million won.

"We hope that many will be able to experience the joy of driving an EV through Zoe, as accessibility of EVs has been low," Renault Samsung's head of sales Kim Tae-joon said.

Details about test drive events will be provided via Renault Samsung's customer center at 080-300-3000.