Renault’s 100% electric supermini, ZOE, has set a new world record for the longest distance travelled in 24 hours by a production electric car. Completing 363 laps of the Aubevoye speed ring in Normandy, France, a distance of 1,005 miles, it bettered the former record of 795 miles.
Two Renault ZOEs set out on the speed ring at the Aubevoye technical centre (CTA) in Normandy, with fifteen drivers taking turns at the wheel, driving and charging as necessary. Twenty-four hours later, they crossed the finishing line, with mileages of 1,618 km and 1,506 km respectively. In the process, both cars clearly highlighted the impressive performance and reliability of the French brand’s forthcoming EV.
For this result, ZOE was also able to profit from a major technological breakthrough: the Chameleon charger. This original world-first system makes ZOE compatible with any socket and any power level. ZOE was therefore able to be fast-charged at 43 kW, regaining 80% of battery capacity in under thirty minutes. This challenge was also made possible by the best-in-class NEDC range of 130 miles (210 km, between 62 and 93 miles depending on conditions of use). Overall, the final ZOE was fast-charged 18 times in 24 hours.
Looking beyond the performance, which was conducted in the presence of an official observer and is pending Guinness Book of Records homologation, the feat is an answer to the question: How far can ZOE go?
“We completed this operation in two months. In April, we started calculations to check feasibility with the Group electric powertrain department. In early May, we started track runs and established a strategy. We decided to keep the production car without any changes. We were confident and we were right,” says Philippe Vinot, Reliability/Durability Coordinator.
The launch of Renault ZOE marks the start of a new era in which electric mobility becomes accessible to everyone. It is a major step forward for cars and for Renault. In its 110 years of history, the brand has shown its ability to innovate with the clear aim of bringing technology to the masses. ZOE is compact, attractive and affordable, and will appear in showrooms later in 2012.
