The Renault Zoe I Q90 44.1 kWh is a fully electric, five-door hatchback produced by the French manufacturer Renault between 2017 and 2019. Positioned as a subcompact electric vehicle (EV), the Zoe was Renault’s initial foray into mass-market electric mobility, primarily aimed at the European market. It represented a significant step in making electric vehicles more accessible and practical for everyday use, offering a dedicated EV platform and a usable range for urban and suburban commuting. While not officially sold in the United States, the Zoe played a crucial role in establishing Renault as a leader in the European EV sector.
Renault Zoe I Q90: An Overview
The first generation Zoe, designated Zoe I, was built on a dedicated electric vehicle platform, allowing for optimized packaging of the battery pack and electric drivetrain. The Q90 variant, equipped with a 44.1 kWh battery, offered an improved range compared to earlier versions. The Zoe distinguished itself with its practical hatchback body style, offering seating for five passengers and a reasonably sized cargo area. Its focus was on providing a convenient and environmentally friendly transportation solution for city dwellers and commuters.
Engine & Performance
The Renault Zoe I Q90 is powered by a single electric motor, producing 88 horsepower at 3000-11300 rpm and 220 Nm (162.26 lb.-ft.) of torque available from 250-2500 rpm. This electric motor, model code 5AGEN2, is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels. The powertrain utilizes a single-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 13.2 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 12.5 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 135 km/h (83.89 mph). The weight-to-power ratio is 16.8 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.
Design & Features
The Zoe I features a conventional hatchback design, prioritizing practicality and space efficiency. Its five-door configuration provides easy access for passengers and cargo. The interior is designed with a focus on functionality and user-friendliness, incorporating a digital instrument cluster and a central touchscreen infotainment system. Safety features include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The battery pack is located under the floor, contributing to a lower center of gravity and maximizing interior space. The trunk offers 338 liters (11.94 cu. ft.) of space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1225 liters (43.26 cu. ft.) when the rear seats are folded down. The exterior styling is modern and understated, reflecting the vehicle’s focus on efficiency and practicality rather than sporty aesthetics.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Zoe |
| Generation | Zoe I |
| Type (Engine) | Q90 44.1 kWh (88 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2017 |
| End of production | 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture | BEV (Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Electricity |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 135 km/h (83.89 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 16.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.7 kg/Nm |
| Gross battery capacity | 44.1 kWh |
| Net (usable) battery capacity | 41 kWh |
| Battery voltage | 400 V |
| Battery technology | Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) |
| Battery weight | 305 kg (672.41 lbs.) |
| Battery location | Below the floor |
| All-electric range (NEDC) | 350-370 km (217.48 – 229.91 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 |
| System power | 88 Hp @ 3000-11300 rpm |
| System torque | 220 Nm @ 250-2500 rpm (162.26 lb.-ft. @ 250-2500 rpm) |
| Kerb Weight | 1480 kg (3262.84 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1966 kg (4334.29 lbs.) |
| Max load | 486 kg (1071.45 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 | 1587 mm (62.48 in.) |
| Front overhang | 839 mm (33.03 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 657 mm (25.87 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 suspension | Independent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Transverse stabilizer, Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 185/65 R15; 195/55 R16; 205/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15; 6.5J x 16; 7J x 17 |
The Renault Zoe I Q90 44.1 kWh represented a significant step forward in affordable electric mobility, offering a practical and efficient solution for urban transportation. Its dedicated EV platform and usable range helped to pave the way for the wider adoption of electric vehicles in Europe and beyond.
