Renault Zoe Z.E. R240

Overview

The 2016 Renault Zoe Z.E. R240 was a pioneering compact electric hatchback, making EV ownership more accessible in Europe. This particular trim brought an updated, more efficient Renault-developed motor. While new prices aren't listed for this discontinued gem, you could snag a used R240 for around €4,400 in the EU market. It’s a brilliant city slicker, known for its user-friendly nature and surprisingly spacious cabin for a supermini, packing a decent punch for urban driving and offering a taste of zero-emission motoring without breaking the bank. It was a key player in democratising electric mobility.

What's New for 2016?

For 2016, the Zoe Z.E. R240 continued to showcase Renault's then-new, in-house developed electric motor. Compared to the earlier Q210 motor (which offered faster 43kW AC charging), the R240 focused on boosting efficiency and real-world range – a welcome upgrade for daily drivers. This meant the R240 could eke out more kilometres from its battery pack, making it a more practical choice for many. While it capped AC charging at a still-respectable 22kW, this trade-off for better range was a significant step in the Zoe’s continuous evolution as a leading European EV.

Design & Exterior

The 2016 Zoe R240 sports a friendly, almost futuristic supermini design that still looks fresh. Its compact dimensions – 4084 mm long, 1730 mm wide (no mirrors), and 1562 mm tall – make it a doddle to park. You’ll spot signature Zoe touches like the blue-tinted Renault diamond badge hiding the charge port, sleek headlights, and those cool hidden rear door handles that give it a coupe-like profile. While the R240 trim itself didn't bring massive visual changes, its chic and approachable styling was a big part of its appeal on European city streets.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the Zoe R240 and you’re greeted by a light, airy cabin with a surprisingly modern feel for its era, though expect some budget-friendly plastics. It comfortably seats five, offering decent space for a supermini. Luggage-wise, you get a generous 338 litres in the boot, expanding to a very useful 1225 litres with the rear seats folded flat – pretty handy! There's no frunk, though. Tech centred around Renault's R-Link infotainment system with a touchscreen, usually offering navigation and basic connectivity, but don't expect Apple CarPlay or Android Auto from this vintage.

Performance & Driving Experience

The Zoe R240 is a proper little city whizz! Its front-wheel-drive setup is powered by a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor delivering 65 kW and a healthy 220 Nm of instant torque. This translates to a 0-100 km/h dash in a respectable 13.5 seconds, plenty for zipping through urban traffic. Top speed is capped at 135 km/h. The driving experience is smooth, quiet, and effortless, with light steering and a comfortable ride that soaks up city bumps surprisingly well. Regenerative braking helps top up the battery on the go.

Range, Battery & Charging

The R240 trim packs a 23.3 kWh (usable) battery, delivering a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of around 180 km – quite decent for a 2016 city EV. Its efficiency is rated at a solid 7.73 km/kWh. Charging is handled via a Type 2 (Mennekes) port cleverly hidden behind the front Renault badge. It boasts a handy 22 kW standard on-board AC charger, meaning a full top-up can take just over an hour at a compatible public station. DC fast charging isn't on the menu for this R240 version, focusing instead on robust AC solutions.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

The Renault Zoe has a strong safety record, achieving a 5-star Euro NCAP rating back in 2013, which applies to this 2016 R240 model. Standard kit would include essentials like ABS, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and multiple airbags. For driver assistance, you’d typically find cruise control and a speed limiter. More advanced features like adaptive cruise or lane keeping assist weren't common on small cars of this era, but rear parking sensors or a reversing camera might have been available on higher specifications or as optional extras to aid city manoeuvres.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

When new, Renault typically offered a 2 or 3-year general vehicle warranty in Europe, often extendable. The crucial battery pack on the Zoe R240 usually came with an 8-year/160,000 km warranty, guaranteeing a certain level of health (e.g., 70-75% capacity). Some early Zoes involved a battery lease scheme with separate terms. Maintenance is a breeze compared to petrol cars – think tyres, brakes, and cabin filters. Overall, the R240 motor was seen as a reliable evolution, offering straightforward, low-cost electric motoring for its time.