Name: Renault Zoe (2013 to 2019) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Renault Zoe
Rating: 69.0

Summary

The first-generation Renault Zoe was a small supermini-class five-door hatchback. Unlike every other car in its class, the Zoe is only available as an electric vehicle. This original version was launched in the UK in early 2013, and was replaced by a new model in late 2019.

The original Zoe received consistently positive reviews from the UK motoring media throughout its production life. It was considered a breakthrough for affordable electric cars, being well suited for urban use and having a good range – one of the key issues for potential electric car buyers.

It will never be ideal for trying to drive from London to Edinburgh or similar, but as a second car or for purely urban driving, the Renault Zoe was considered the best electric car available right up until it was replaced by a largely new model in late 2019.

Key specifications

Body style: Small five-door hatchback
Power: electric
Price when new: From £17,720 on-road*
*price included £3,500 government plug-in car grant

Launched: Spring 2013
Last update: Spring 2017
Replaced: Autumn 2019

Image gallery

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert+

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The Renault Zoe is a definite contender amongst its electric rivals, particularly considering its versatile purchase options and now its range.”
Read review

Auto Express+

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Zoe suits shorter commutes and daily errands perfectly. It’s more practical than a Volkswagen e-up! and cheaper to buy or lease than a BMW i3. Not to mention the fact it’ll cost you mere pennies to run.”
Read review

Car+

Model reviewed: Signature Nav R90 ZE 40
Score: 8 / 10
“The Zoe is the best electric car on the market and the option of the longer range models enhances its appeal even more, but you do need to take your time to work out which suits what you need most.”
Read review

Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Renault Zoe is a stylish electric supermini that’s affordable and has a decent range, making it very convincing.”
Read review

Honest John+

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“If you like the idea of an electric vehicle and it fits in with your lifestyle – you live in a house with an available area for charging, your commute isn’t that long, and you have a petrol car at your disposal for longer trips at the weekend – then the Zoe is pretty much the best game in town at the moment.”
Read review

Parkers+

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“A viable and low-compromise alternative to fossil fuel”
Read review

The Sun+

Model reviewed: (range review)
“Why wait until 2040? Renault is making electric cars affordable today.”
Read review

The Sunday Times+

Model reviewed: Dynamique Nav R90 Z.E.40
“There’s no denying the Renault Zoe is a great-looking machine that’s plenty fast enough, rides comfortably, handles well and has a surprisingly decent amount of interior space and, in the R90 Z.E.40 model, you have a really very usable amount of range in the battery.”
Read review

The Telegraph+

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Renault Zoe’s headline act is a theoretical 250-mile range offered by the ZE40 model. However, if your driving consists primarily of short journeys, the entry-level model with its shorter range is a significantly cheaper option. Either way, the Zoe marks a great entry point into the world of electric motoring.”
Read review

Top Gear+

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 7 / 10
“Mature styling, ample space and that all-important battery range set it apart as a practical city EV, and all for £5,000 less than the market leader.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: March 2013
Date expired: January 2020
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 89%
Child protection: 80%
Vulnerable road users: 66%
Safety assist: 85%

Notes on safety rating

The Renault Zoe was originally crash tested by Euro NCAP back in 2013 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2020 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

Although the rating has now expired, the score is still useful if you are comparing a used Zoe to vehicles of similar age – whose ratings will have probably also expired.

It’s also worth noting that the original Renault Zoe featured here actually achieved a much better safety rating than the second-generation version launched in 2019, which scored zero stars. Renault was slated by Euro NCAP for removing head airbags from the newer model, which were standard on this model.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Renault Zoe was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

No reliability rating

As of April 2024, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Renault Zoe to generate a reliability rating.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.

As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Zoe, we’ll publish the results here.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Electrical efficiency	Average	Score	Variation	Score
EV models	6.1 m/KWh	A	5.4 – 6.8 m/KWh	A – A

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	15	A	14 – 16	A – A

We only have limited data on the original Renault Zoe due to its age, but we can tell you that it’s a very efficient car to run (electrical efficiency is the EV equivalent of miles per gallon for a petrol or diesel car), and that the insurance costs should be very low as well.