ZOE comes in the wake of the status-enhancing Fluence Z.E. saloon, Kangoo Van Z.E. (both launched in 2011) and the innovative urban runabout Twizy to make Zero Emission mobility a reality for ordinary motorists – one of the pledges of Renault's "Drive the Change" signature.

Fitted with "Range OptimiZEr" technology, designed to improve the vehicle's range in real-life driving conditions, ZOE is capable of achieving  up to 130 miles on a full charge. As a result of the new Chameleon charger provided with ZOE, owners and business alike are able to charge ZOE at any level of power. A full charge would therefore take between 30 minutes and 9 hours depending solely on the chosen power supply. 

Through its "Renault 2016 – Drive the Change" plan, and thanks to its growing range of electric vehicles, along with work on its internal combustion engines, Renault has made a commitment to reduce its global carbon footprint by 10% by 2013, and by a further 10% between 2013 and 2016. 

In terms of its internal combustion engines, Renault has chosen the Geneva Motor Show to reveal the latest phase of its powertrain strategy. Its Energy range sees the addition of two new internal combustion engines: the petrol Energy TCe 90 and the diesel Energy dCi 90. All the powerplants that feature in the Renault Energy range deliver a raft of innovations aimed at enhancing powertrain performance while at the same time returning low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

ZOE is the first Renault vehicle to feature R-Link, Renault’s brand-new integrated, connected multimedia system. To enable drivers to control its functions without taking their eyes off the road, R-Link features a large seven-inch display, steering wheel-mounted controls and voice recognition. It also delivers integrated connectivity with motoring services and applications available from the R-Link Store. When released, R-Link Store will offer more than 50 applications adapted for life on the move thanks to an active partnership with application developers. These apps will be downloadable directly inside the car or via owners’ My Renault account.

R-Link also includes a host of new functions dedicated to electric driving and range management: tracking of energy consumption, display of energy flows and pre-programming of battery charging. The navigation system offers bespoke services such as a display of the vehicle’s operating radius based on the range remaining in the battery, suggestions for the most energy-efficient itineraries and the location of nearby battery charging stations (depending on country), as well as their real-time availability. R-Link also lets drivers view their eco-driving performance and improve their technique with "eco-scoring"and tips that are specific and personalised to the driver.

Carlos Ghosn, chairman and chief executive officer at Renault, commented: 'ZOE will be the spearhead of the Renault Z.E. range and the version on show at Geneva represents the model’s final design. In addition to its compact size, attractive styling and affordable price tag, it showcases Renault’s technological excellence when it comes to electric vehicles. ZOE also heralds the beginning of a new era of electric mobility for all and confirms our commitment to electric vehicles. 

'It marks an important step for Renault which has a 110-year history of making major innovations a concrete reality for ordinary motorists. Our range of Energy engines is a further illustration of our ‘innovation for all’ drive. This range of eight engines – two of which are being unveiled today – benefits directly from our success in Formula 1 and combines performance, driving pleasure, and low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions,' he added.

 Unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Renault ZOE will go on sale this autumn. Its launch marks the beginning of a new era: an era of electric vehicles for all.