Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Renault ZOE electric car wins BusinessCar ‘Techies’ award

Renault’s electric supermini, the ZOE has won a prestigious award from trade magazine BusinessCar, claiming the Green category in the 2013 Fleet Technology Awards, known informally as ‘The Techies’.
Respected among the business world, the awards are the only ones in the industry that reward technological innovation in corporate marketplace, helping fleets operate in a cleaner, more cost-effective and efficient way.
The ZOE, which launched in the UK in June, caught the eyes of the award’s judges because of its stylish looks and sophisticated new technology. Among its highlights, five ‘world premiere’ features and 60 patents designed to deliver user-friendliness, range and connectivity.
Smart technology includes the car’s ‘Range OptimiZer’ package, which includes three major innovations; bi-modal regenerative braking, heat pump and Michelin Energy TM E-V tyres. This package helps the car deliver an outstanding 130 mile range per charge.
Then there is the car’s Chameleon charger, which is compatible with various power sources to provide charging from 3kW up to 43 kW , for charging times of 30 mins to one hour or four hours depending on the level.
Then finally, there is the ZOE’s R-Link seven-inch tablet embedded in the dashboard, with a touchscreen display, steering wheel-mounted controls and voice recognition. It also features a connected store giving access to specific apps and services, as well as email and tweets.
Running alongside this innovation, the My Z.E. Inter@ctive app enables ZOE drivers to control pre-conditioning (cooling or heating of cabin temperature) and charging schedules from their smartphone or tablet – ensuring their car is always ready for business. The built-in sat nav also identifies the closest charging points en route.
Business Car Editor Paul Barker said: “The Renault ZOE is a huge boost to the electric vehicle sector because it’s clearly the most attractive model to enter this fledgling marketplace. Renault’s commitment to and investment in zero tailpipe emission vehicles is helping fleets meet their environmental and cost objectives in terms of running their vehicles, and deserves commendation.”
The flagship vehicle of the French brand’s four-strong 100 per cent electric vehicle range is stylish, affordable and incredibly versatile – perfect for commuting and tailor-made for environmentally aware businesses who want to downsize their fleet’s engines and carbon footprint.”
Phil York, Renault UK’s Marketing Director, said: “ZOE represents cutting edge technology in a truly stylish package, offering everybody the opportunity to ‘go electric’ at the same price as diesel-engined alternatives.”
The fully electric supermini is available in the UK, starting from only £13,995 on-the-road after the UK Government Plug-in Car Grant, with monthly battery rental costing from £70. It’s available in three trim levels and comes with a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
The Techies are judged by Business Car's expert panel, including new ACFO – the premier organisation for fleet operators – chairman Damian James.

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