Michelin Tyres

On 11 April 2012 Michelin gave details of the tyres that would equip the ZOE, as previously announced by Renault at the ZOE Preview launch:

“All Renault ZOE models equipped with 15 and 16-inch tyres will be fitted with the new MICHELIN ENERGY™ E-V tyres. These innovative products are in line with the carmaker’s Range OptimiZEr approach for the Renault ZOE, which integrates an array of innovations designed to improve the vehicle’s range in all driving conditions. In near-urban use, for example, the MICHELIN ENERGY™ E-V tyres increase the ZOE’s range by up to 6%, depending on the type of use.

The tire plays a key role in vehicle energy consumption. Tyres account for up to 30% of the energy consumed by an electric powertrain. With each rotation of the wheel, a tire is deformed when it comes into contact with the road. As its structure is deformed, the components heat up and some of the energy transmitted by the engine is lost. Reducing this heat build-up also reduces energy consumption, but the technologies developed by Michelin go much further. While the MICHELIN ENERGY™ E-V tire heats up little when driving, thus reducing energy consumption, the rubber in the contact patch heats up quickly when the brakes are applied, thereby shortening braking distances.”

It is interesting to note the mixed spelling of ‘tire’/‘tyre’, presumably evidence of editing for different markets.

EV & Low CO2 Fleet Show

The Zoe made its first showing as a production car for the British market on the Renault stand at the EV & Low CO2 Fleet Show. This took place on 18 April at Silverstone, as reported in the Renault Business magazine:

“The Renault Zoe and the other vehicles in the Renault Z.E. range made their first appearance at the Fleet World EV & Low CO2 Fleet Show in April, marking the first time all four models had been shown together in the UK in production form. Held at the newly opened Silverstone Wing at the world-famous race circuit, the event was aimed at giving senior fleet decision-makers the opportunity to explore and test-drive the latest electric, hybrid and low-carbon technologies and discuss them with industry experts during seminar sessions.

“Kangoo Van Z.E. and Fluence Z.E. saloon were both available to drive, while delegates relished their first opportunity to get behind the wheel of the Twizy ahead of its sales launch. Fresh from its unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the show also marked the UK debut of the production ZOE, specially shipped in from France for the day, which drew many admiring glances and questions from visitors.”

Zoe Voices

In the same month Renault made available samples of the ‘ZE Voice’ pedestrian warning sounds. The Voice system is active between 1 and 30km/h and is intended to alert those nearby of the car’s presence in a choice of three different alarm systems. Take a listen and see what you think.

My preference would be ‘Glam’ (despite the name) as it sounds a bit futuristic to me, which seems appropriate.

TomTom SatNav

Timed to coincide with the official 6 March launch of the Zoe, TomTom announced that it would partner with Renault to supply the navigation in the Zoe’s R-Link multimedia system. The press release stated:

R-Link uses IQ routes and maps from TomTom. It also offers LIVE Services, including TomTom HD Traffic – giving drivers the fastest route to their destination based on the latest traffic situation. TomTom HD Traffic provides highly accurate traffic information for the whole road network including exit roads, slip roads and minor roads, which are not covered by competing technologies.

Chinese Copy

Just days after the Zoe launch came news that it had been cloned in China. The ‘Greenwheel J0’ was originally revealed on the Sohu.com site on 15 March and then re-reported on a number of English language sites, such as Car News China.

Testing in Australia

At the end of the month it was reported by Australian car sites Car Showroom and Car Advice that the Zoe was being tested for their market. A disguised version was flown in for engineering tests, accompanied by a team of engineers, and was seen on the road in Melbourne and Perth.
Justin Hocevar, the boss of Renault Australia, was quoted as saying:

The aim of testing the new Zoe in Australia is to ensure we are responding to the specific demands of the Australian market – from daily driving to cooling systems for our climate.

Winter Testing

At the same time as one Zoe was experiencing the heat of Australia another was undergoing winter testing in Sweden. The engineers from Renault were accompanied by journalists from Auto Express who provided one of the earliest driving reviews of the production Zoe – on the whole a very positive one:

Because the batteries are mounted under the floor, and in the middle of the car, stability is excellent and body roll minimal. The forgiving suspension deals well with rutted snow – so we can assume the Zoe will be every bit as relaxing to drive around town as the Leaf.