The Renault Zoe is a supermini electric car produced by the French manufacturer Renault. Introduced in 2012, the Zoe was Renault’s first mass-market all-electric vehicle and played a significant role in popularizing electric mobility in Europe. The Zoe I, representing the first generation, underwent several revisions, with the Phase II update in 2019 bringing notable improvements to range, performance, and styling. This article focuses on the 2019 Renault Zoe I R110 41 kWh variant, a key model in the Zoe lineup, offering 108 horsepower and a practical range for urban and suburban driving.
Renault Zoe I (Phase II, 2019) R110: An Overview
The 2019 Zoe R110 41 kWh represents a mid-cycle refresh of the original Zoe, designed to address earlier criticisms regarding range and practicality. While not initially sold in the United States due to differing market demands and infrastructure, the Zoe became a popular choice in Europe, particularly in densely populated urban areas where its compact size and zero-emission operation were highly valued. The Phase II update included a more powerful electric motor, increased battery capacity, and a revised exterior design. It competed with other early electric vehicles like the Nissan Leaf and BMW i3, establishing Renault as a leader in the burgeoning EV market.
Engine & Performance
The Renault Zoe R110 is powered by a single electric motor, designated model 5AQ 60, producing 108 horsepower (Hp) at 3395-10886 rpm and 225 Nm (165.95 lb.-ft.) of torque available from 500-3395 rpm. This powertrain delivers brisk acceleration for a city car, achieving a 0-60 mph time of approximately 10.8 seconds and a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 11.4 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 135 km/h (83.89 mph). The Zoe utilizes a single-speed automatic transmission, characteristic of most electric vehicles, providing seamless and silent operation. The powertrain architecture is a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), meaning it relies solely on electricity for propulsion.
Design & Features
The 2019 Zoe maintains the hatchback body style of its predecessor, offering five seats and five doors. Its compact dimensions – 4087 mm (160.91 in.) in length, 1787 mm (70.35 in.) in width, and 1562 mm (61.5 in.) in height – make it easy to maneuver in urban environments. The Phase II update brought a more modern and refined exterior design, with revised headlights, a larger grille, and updated bumpers. Inside, the Zoe features a functional and minimalist interior. Key features include a digital instrument cluster, a touchscreen infotainment system, and various driver-assistance systems. The trunk (boot) space offers 338 liters (11.94 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up and expands to 1225 liters (43.26 cu. ft.) when folded down, providing ample space for everyday use. Safety features include ABS (Anti-lock braking system) and a comprehensive airbag system.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Zoe |
| Generation | Zoe I (Phase II, 2019) |
| Type (Engine) | R110 41 kWh (108 Hp) Electric |
| Start of production | September, 2019 |
| End of production | March, 2024 |
| Powertrain Architecture | BEV (Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Electricity |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 135 km/h (83.89 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.9 kg/Hp, 71.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.7 kg/Nm, 149.8 Nm/tonne |
| Gross battery capacity | 41 kWh |
| Battery technology | Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) |
| Battery weight | 326 kg (718.71 lbs.) |
| Battery location | Below the floor |
| All-electric range (WLTP) | 316 km (196.35 mi) |
| All-electric range | 200-300 km (124.27 – 186.41 mi) |
| Average Energy consumption (WLTP) | 17.2 kWh/100 km (27.68 kWh/100 mi) |
| MPGe | 122 |
| km/kWh | 5.8 |
| mi/kWh | 3.6 |
| Electric motor power | 108 Hp @ 3395-10886 rpm |
| Electric motor Torque | 225 Nm @ 500-3395 rpm (165.95 lb.-ft. @ 500-3395 rpm) |
| Electric motor model/code | 5AQ 60 |
| Electric motor location | Front, Transverse |
| System power | 108 Hp @ 3395-10886 rpm |
| System torque | 225 Nm @ 500-3395 rpm (165.95 lb.-ft. @ 500-3395 rpm) |
| Kerb Weight | 1502 kg (3311.34 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1976 kg (4356.33 lbs.) |
| Max load | 474 kg (1044.99 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 338 l (11.94 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1225 l (43.26 cu. ft.) |
| Length | 4087 mm (160.91 in.) |
| Width | 1787 mm (70.35 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1945 mm (76.57 in.) |
| Height | 1562 mm (61.5 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2588 mm (101.89 in.) |
| Front track | 1506 mm (59.29 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1489 mm (58.62 in.) |
| Front overhang | 838 mm (32.99 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 661 mm (26.02 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 120 mm (4.72 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.56 m (34.65 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | One electric motor drives the front wheels. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 1 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 185/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
The Renault Zoe I (Phase II, 2019) R110 41 kWh represents a significant step forward in affordable electric mobility. Its combination of practicality, efficiency, and a reasonable driving range made it a popular choice for environmentally conscious drivers in Europe. While not available in the US market, the Zoe’s influence on the development of electric vehicles globally is undeniable, paving the way for wider adoption of zero-emission transportation.
