ZOE, ideal entry-level electric car

Renault Samsung's electric vehicle ZOE / Courtesy of Renault Samsung

By Kim Jae-heun

Renault Samsung's best-selling electric vehicle (EV) ZOE is the most recommended car for drivers looking for an eco-friendly vehicle, because of the car's price, safety and low maintenance costs.

A number of EVs have come out in the market in the past few years, as consumers worldwide place more emphasis on protecting the environment. However, the vehicles are expensive and it is not easy for customers to find the right one for them. Renault Samsung says its third-generation ZOE is ideal for people who want to purchase an electric vehicle for the first time.

Renault Samsung has been pioneering the electric vehicle market in Europe since 2012 and the ZOE has become the top-selling eco-friendly car there. Even the popular Model 3 produced by U.S. EV maker Tesla has been unable to outperform the ZOE there.

The European carmaker says the ZOE is much safer than the Model 3 as it has never been involved in a fire incident. Tesla's vehicles have been criticized for safety issues as some have caught fire while in operation.

The ZOE is a better option for its reasonable price too. Three different available models ― ZEN, INTENS ECO and INTENS ― are priced a little over 40 million won. Considering that other carmakers' EVs in the same category are priced closer to 50 million won, the ZOE models are cheap in comparison.

Here, the Ministry of Environment and local governments pay subsidies for customers purchasing the ZOE, bringing the price as low as 2.94 million won.

The ZOE is an attractive option for commuters living in big cities. It is designed for city driving and comes in a compact size, suitable for cramped parking spots.

It also adopts a 54.4 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery that enables the vehicle to drive 309 kilometers when fully charged. With its high-speed 50wH battery charger, the ZOE can run 150 kilometers with only 30 minutes of recharging.

The EV is equipped with the latest R245 motor that gives a maximum 136 horsepower and torque of 25 kilograms per meter. In other words, the ZOE can accelerate to 50 kilometers per hour in 3.6 seconds and 100 kilometers per hour in 9.5 seconds from a standstill.

The ZOE is an imported car, which entails concerns over slow and expensive repair costs. However, thanks to its network with Renault Samsung's sales and after-sales system, drivers can enjoy quality and reasonable service.