Renault Zoe Z.E. 50 R135

Overview

The Renault Zoe Z.E. 50 R135, though production ceased in 2024, remains a cracking compact electric warrior on the European used market, with estimated prices around €9,950. This top-tier R135 trim was the one to have, packing a zippy 100 kW motor and a respectable 52 kWh usable battery. Its standout feature? Class-leading 22 kW AC charging as standard, making home and destination top-ups incredibly convenient. It's a chic, French-built city slicker that helped pave the way for mainstream EVs and still offers a compelling package for urbanites.

What's New for 2024?

For 2024, the big news for the Renault Zoe Z.E. 50 R135 is that it marked the end of its impressive production run, which originally started in 2019. So, no new bells and whistles for this model year; instead, it represents the final version of this popular electric supermini. Buyers looking for one in 2024 will be tapping into the pre-owned market, where this capable and well-equipped EV offers fantastic value. It’s a fond farewell to a true pioneer in the European EV scene, now a savvy used buy.

Design & Exterior

The Zoe Z.E. 50 R135 sports that classic, friendly Zoe look – a compact hatchback that’s instantly recognisable with its smooth lines and distinctive LED lighting signatures. It’s not shouty, but stylishly understated. Key dimensions keep it city-friendly: 4087 mm long, a neat 1787 mm wide (mirrors excluded), and 1562 mm tall. The R135 trim often benefited from smarter alloy wheels, adding a bit of visual flair to its already charming French design, making it look right at home on tight European streets.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the Zoe R135 offers a surprisingly airy cabin for its size, often featuring some eco-conscious materials. It’s functional and modern, typically equipped with Renault's Easy Link infotainment system (often a 7-inch or optional 9.3-inch screen) with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Passenger space is decent for four adults on shorter trips. Boot space is a practical 338 litres, expanding to a generous 1225 litres with the rear seats folded flat – pretty handy for a car of this footprint! No frunk, but the main boot is very usable.

Performance & Driving Experience

Punchy! The Zoe R135's 100 kW EESM electric motor delivers a healthy 245 Nm of torque to the front wheels, making it feel nippy around town. It'll scoot from 0-100 km/h in a respectable 9.5 seconds, with a top speed of 140 km/h. The driving experience is classic EV: smooth, quiet, and instantly responsive. It’s great for darting through city traffic, and the B-mode regenerative braking is strong, allowing for plenty of one-pedal style driving, which is a boon in stop-start conditions. Ride comfort is generally good for a small car.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Zoe Z.E. 50 R135 packs a 52 kWh usable battery, delivering a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range estimate of around 327 km – plenty for daily duties and even some longer jaunts. Its efficiency is rated at 6.29 km/kWh. Charging is a highlight: it boasts a standard 22 kW AC onboard charger, meaning a full top-up can take just 3 hours on a compatible public charger. For rapid charging, it supports up to 50 kW DC via its CCS Type 2 port, getting you to 80% in about an hour.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Renault kitted the Zoe out well, and it proudly wears a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating (from its 2021 re-evaluation with the latest pack). The R135 trim typically included essential active safety systems. While specifics vary by market and pack, features like Active Emergency Braking (AEB), lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and traffic sign recognition were commonly available, with some, like blind-spot monitoring, often standard or optional on higher trims like this one, ensuring peace of mind on the road.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

As a now-discontinued model, new factory warranties won't apply, but pre-owned Zoes will have the remainder of their original coverage. Typically, Renault offered a vehicle warranty of around 3 years/100,000 km in Europe, with some markets getting up to 5 years. Crucially, the battery was covered for 8 years or 160,000 km against excessive degradation (usually guaranteeing at least 70-75% of original capacity). Maintenance is generally minimal for EVs, focusing on tyres, brakes, and coolant, making for potentially low running costs.