The Renault Zoe I Q210 25.9 kWh is a supermini electric vehicle (BEV) produced by the French manufacturer Renault from 2012 to 2015. Positioned as a city car, the Zoe was Renault’s first mass-market all-electric vehicle, designed to address the growing demand for sustainable transportation in Europe. While not officially sold in the United States, the Zoe represents a significant step in the development and adoption of electric vehicle technology, particularly in the European market where it became a popular choice for urban commuters. The Q210 designation refers to a specific trim level and battery capacity within the first generation Zoe range.
Renault Zoe I Q210: An Overview
The Zoe I, representing the first generation of the model, was a crucial vehicle for Renault as it transitioned towards electrification. It was conceived as a practical and affordable electric car, aiming to overcome range anxiety – a common concern for early EV adopters – through a combination of battery capacity and efficient design. The Q210 variant, equipped with a 25.9 kWh battery, offered a usable range of approximately 130 miles (210 km) under the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) testing standards. The Zoe’s design prioritized functionality and interior space, making it a suitable vehicle for small families and city dwellers.
Engine & Performance
The Renault Zoe I Q210 is powered by a single electric motor, designated 5Agen2, producing 88 horsepower (Hp) at 3000-11300 rpm and 220 Nm (162.26 lb.-ft.) of torque between 250-2500 rpm. This electric motor drives the front wheels through a single-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) takes approximately 13.5 seconds, with a top speed of 83.89 mph (135 km/h). The weight-to-power ratio is 16.7 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 6.7 kg/Nm. The system power and torque mirror the electric motor’s output, as there are no supplementary power sources in this all-electric configuration. Energy consumption is rated at 14.6 kWh per 100 km (23.5 kWh per 100 miles), translating to 143 MPGe, 6.8 km/kWh, or 4.3 mi/kWh.
Design & Features
The Zoe I is a five-door hatchback with a practical and functional design. Its compact dimensions – 4084 mm (160.79 in.) in length, 1730 mm (68.11 in.) in width, and 1562 mm (61.5 in.) in height – make it well-suited for navigating congested urban environments. The interior offers seating for five passengers and a trunk (boot) space ranging from 338 liters (11.94 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up to 1225 liters (43.26 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The battery pack is located under the floor, contributing to a low center of gravity and maximizing interior space. Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard. The Zoe’s design focused on maximizing efficiency and practicality, rather than overtly sporty aesthetics. The vehicle’s curb weight is 1468 kg (3236.39 lbs), with a maximum weight of 1943 kg (4283.58 lbs) and a maximum load capacity of 475 kg (1047.2 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Zoe |
| Generation | Zoe I |
| Type (Engine) | Q210 25.9 kWh (88 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | February, 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | BEV (Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Electricity |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 135 km/h (83.89 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 16.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.7 kg/Nm |
| Gross battery capacity | 25.9 kWh |
| Net (usable) battery capacity | 22 kWh |
| Battery voltage | 400 V |
| Battery technology | Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) |
| Battery weight | 290 kg (639.34 lbs.) |
| Battery location | Below the floor |
| All-electric range (NEDC) | 210 km (130.49 mi) |
| Average Energy consumption (NEDC) | 14.6 kWh/100 km (23.5 kWh/100 mi) |
| Electric motor power | 88 Hp @ 3000-11300 rpm |
| Electric motor Torque | 220 Nm @ 250-2500 rpm (162.26 lb.-ft. @ 250-2500 rpm) |
| Electric motor model/code | 5Agen2 |
| Electric motor location | Front axle, Transverse |
| Kerb Weight | 1468 kg (3236.39 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1943 kg (4283.58 lbs.) |
| Max load | 475 kg (1047.2 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 338 l (11.94 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1225 l (43.26 cu. ft.) |
| Length | 4084 mm (160.79 in.) |
| Width | 1730 mm (68.11 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1945 mm (76.57 in.) |
| Height | 1562 mm (61.5 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2588 mm (101.89 in.) |
| Front track | 1511 mm (59.49 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1510 mm (59.45 in.) |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Transverse stabilizer, Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 258 mm |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 228.6 mm |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 1 gears, automatic transmission |
| Tires size | 185/65 R15; 195/55 R16; 205/45 R17 |
The Renault Zoe I Q210 played a vital role in popularizing electric vehicles in Europe and paved the way for subsequent generations of the Zoe, which have incorporated larger batteries, improved performance, and enhanced features. Its legacy lies in demonstrating the viability of all-electric transportation for everyday use and contributing to the broader shift towards a more sustainable automotive future.
