Renault Zoe Z.E. 50 R135

Overview

The Renault Zoe Z.E. 50 R135, a popular European compact EV, wrapped up production in 2024 and sadly never graced US shores. This zippy hatchback was a city-car hero, and the R135 trim brought a bit more oomph to the party. Think of it as a chic, efficient urban runabout. While official US pricing was never set due to its EU-only availability, its value proposition was strong across the pond. It offered a compelling package for those wanting a small, eco-friendly ride, perfect for darting through tight city streets and making parking a breeze.

What's New for 2024?

For 2024, the Renault Zoe Z.E. 50 R135 didn't see major new features, as this model year marked the end of its impressive production run. Think of it as a final bow for this much-loved European EV. The focus was on delivering the established package that made it a success: its useful real-world range, perky electric motor, and compact practicality. So, rather than a raft of updates, 2024 was more about celebrating the Zoe's legacy as a pioneer in accessible electric mobility before it drove off into the sunset after a long and successful career.

Design & Exterior

The Zoe Z.E. 50 R135 sports a friendly, contemporary hatchback design that’s unmistakably French and chic. Its compact dimensions – 160.9 inches long, 70.4 inches wide, and 61.5 inches tall – make it a proper city slicker. Smooth lines, distinctive C-shaped LED daytime running lights, and stylish alloy wheels (often specific to higher trims like the R135) give it a modern, approachable look. The cleverly hidden rear door handles add a touch of sleekness, making it appear almost coupe-like from some angles. It's a design that's aged gracefully over its production run.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the Zoe 50 R135 offers a surprisingly airy and modern cabin for a compact car, seating five. While some plastics feel built to a price, the overall design is neat, with user-friendly controls. You'll find a digital driver display and a central touchscreen (typically 7 or 9.3 inches) handling infotainment, usually with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Cargo space is decent for its class, with 11.9 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to a useful 43.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. No frunk here, though, all business upfront!

Performance & Driving Experience

The 50 R135 trim gives the Zoe a pleasing pep, hitting 60 mph in a claimed 9.1 seconds thanks to its front-wheel-drive setup powered by a single EESM motor delivering 100 kW (around 134 hp) and a solid 181 lb-ft of instant torque. Top speed is a city-friendly 87 mph. It’s nippy and responsive, perfect for urban cut-and-thrust driving. The ride is generally comfortable, soaking up city bumps well, and its light steering makes maneuvering a doddle. Regenerative braking helps claw back energy, with a 'B' mode for stronger regen.

Range, Battery & Charging

Rocking a 52 kWh usable battery, the Zoe 50 R135 offers a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range estimate of 203 miles – pretty handy for daily duties, achieving an efficiency of 3.9 mi/kWh. For AC charging, it impressively supports up to 22 kW, potentially refilling the battery in around 3 hours with a compatible charger. DC fast charging maxes out at 50 kW, taking it from 10-80% in about an hour. While it used a CCS Type 2 port in Europe, a US version would likely have sported a CCS Type 1 connector.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While the Renault Zoe Z.E. 50 R135 was never tested by NHTSA or IIHS due to its European market focus, it did achieve an impressive 5-star rating from Euro NCAP, a good indicator of its safety credentials. Standard kit typically included essentials like multiple airbags and stability control. Depending on the specific market and pack, available driver-assistance features often included lane departure warning, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, and automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors were also commonly available, making it a reassuring city companion.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Though not sold Stateside, Renault typically offered a comprehensive warranty in Europe for the Zoe. This usually included a 3-year (or mileage-capped, e.g., 60,000 miles) basic vehicle warranty and a more extended 8-year/100,000-mile warranty for the 52 kWh battery, often with a degradation guarantee. Powertrain coverage would align with the basic warranty. Maintenance on EVs like the Zoe is generally lower than gas cars, focusing on tires, brakes, and cabin filters. The Zoe has built a generally solid reliability record in its home markets, especially these later versions.