Renaul ZOE Z.E. Concept

The Renault Zoe Z.E. Concept is a compact daily driver which targets motorists who are looking for a versatile second car.

Zoe Z.E. Concept combines cutting-edge electric-vehicle technology - offering a choice of three battery-charging techniques - with a dynamic, edgy design which points to driving enjoyment.

The special roof optimizes the management of the climate control system to ensure extended range, while the ambience inside the cabin can be customized.

Renault Zoe ZE Concept The climate control system features hydrating, 'detox' and active scent functions which enhance the travelling experience.

Zoe Z.E. Concept is 4.10m long and is powered by a 70kW electric motor which develops 226Nm of torque.

The large 21-inch wheels and large body panels are reassuring touches for the four occupants.

Renault Zoe ZE Concept At the rear, a retractable spoiler deploys at speeds in excess of 90kph to make a further contribution to Zoe Z.E. Concept's aerodynamic efficiency.

This LED-equipped spoiler also serves as a brake light, as does the integrated light in the shark's fin-type aerial on the roof.

Design

The roof has been designed as an intelligent protective membrane that insulates the occupants from heat and cold, as well as optimizing climate control performance by recovering energy via its honeycomb photovoltaic cells.

Renault Zoe ZE Concept At front and rear, a shield of polyurethane gel protects the lights which feature energy-efficient electroluminescent diodes that emit a blue-tinted light.

This second skin protects vulnerable components from small knocks in town, while underlining this electric concept car's hi-tech feel.

The air intakes situated either side of the car channel airflow to cool the batteries. The air is extracted through two large rear channels through which it is possible to glimpse the streamlined suspension arms.

Renault Zoe ZE Concept Rearward vision is handled by two small, profiled, energy-efficient cameras which transmit images to the interior rear view mirror, giving the driver perfect visibility without blind spots.

The front features scissor doors, while rear access is through butterfly-style doors.

The clever and original design of the rear doors means they also double up as openings for the boot, allowing carrying space to be accessed from the side, from the pavement, for example.

Interior Design

Renault Zoe ZE Concept Interior The form of the front seat cushions resembles that of an asymmetric pebble, while the seatbacks are attached to the roof. At the rear, the seats can be folded flat with a view to obtaining additional carrying capacity.

The dashboard contributes to the interior's uncluttered feel. It is covered with an intelligent, mineral- like membrane and the lightest of touches calls up a range of touchscreen controls.

The wide TFT (Thin Film Transistor) screen is housed in a glass bubble.

This is the central information point for Zoe Z.E. Concept and serves to display navigation data, the charge indicator and remaining range, as well as a pallet of coloured mood lighting options which enable the interior ambiance to be customized.

Renault Zoe ZE Concept Interior This mood lighting can also be selected automatically via a sensor in the seat which will tone the lighting to match the colours of the driver's clothes.

Information is presented by an avatar that appears on the TFT screen, creating a link between the driver and the technology thanks to short messages.

The avatar can be personalized (male, female, downloadable from the internet), and provides information about traffic conditions, the route and remaining range. It can also indicate the nearest charging points.

This way of humanizing the technology makes it more accessible and creates a relationship with the driver to ensure that journeys are as pleasant as possible.

Renault Zoe ZE Concept Interior The hands-free keycard can be personalized, too, by fixing a chip to an object of the customer's choosing to enable automatic door locking and ignition.

Finally, the climate control system does much more than simply adjusts the temperature. It also enhances the travelling experience thanks to an innovative triple-function system:

Hydrating function. In contrast to conventional climate control systems, which can tend to dry out the air, small dashboard-mounted vaporizers spray an exclusive active substance to rehydrate the skin and exude a sensation of wellbeing.
'Detox' function. A toxicity sensor monitors air quality and shuts off the airvents if required. Then, in addition to extracting harmful substances, the cabin filters deliver others which benefit the skin.
Active scent function. An electric system exhales essential oils suited to the mood of the moment: something mellow for a relaxing drive home, perhaps, or the need to stimulate concentration when driving at night.

This triple-function system has been developed in association with Biotherm®, the skin biology brand of L'Oréal Luxury Products Division.

The driver has three battery charging options:

A standard charge: takes between four and eight hours, via a charging socket situated on the outside of the vehicle.
A quick charge: in 20 minutes, using the same socket at specific charging points.
The exclusive 'Quickdrop' system: three minutes at a rapid battery exchange station.