Renault’s Zoe is the perfect EV for big city life
![The Renault Zoe is an ideal choice for those who are looking for a small-sized electric vehicle suitable for city driving. [RENAULT]](https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/data/photo/2021/05/06/7ef6c21e-f547-4a62-8cf7-98ac3fa67f7d.jpg)
The Renault Zoe is an ideal choice for those who are looking for a small-sized electric vehicle suitable for city driving. [RENAULT]
Electric vehicle (EV) sales are on a roll in Korea, as many drivers eye EVs as an eco-friendly alternative to combustion engine-powered cars.
It is important, though, for drivers to be mindful of the distinctive characteristics of EVs before buying one. That is, if you are planning on purchasing an EV, you have to consider whether the model you have in mind will fit your needs and lifestyle.
For instance, if you are looking for a second car suitable for everyday city driving, a small-sized EV might be an ideal choice. Small-sized EVs make parking and driving comparatively easy and also come at a reasonable price.
Renault’s Zoe would be a good fit in this case.
The Zoe, priced at some 20 million won ($17,800) with government subsidies, is equipped with a 54.5 kWh battery and is capable of driving 309 kilometers (192 miles) on a single charge, which makes it perfect for city driving. Since EV charging stations are placed throughout the city, the range does not need to be excessively long. If your car needs to handle long drives frequently, however, you should look for EVs with a longer range, such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 which can travel 405 kilometers per charge. The Tesla Model 3 also has a long range of 528 kilometers and a self-driving system, so is good for highway driving.
Moreover, the heater system is another important factor, especially in Korea where winter is relatively long. While traditional cars with internal combustion engines use the leftover heat from the engine to keep the car warm, EVs need to use battery power and often struggle in cold weather due to higher battery consumption.
That is why some EV models incorporate a heat pump system and a battery heating system to enhance efficiency.
A heat pump system uses the heat generated from the driveshaft for heating and a battery heating system to automatically heat the inside of the battery to prevent it from losing range due to low temperatures. The Renault Zoe is armed with both devices as default, while it is optional for the Hyundai Kona and Kia Niro.
“Every EV model has its own pros and cons, so drivers should make a choice according to their needs and circumstances rather than following an absolute standard,” an industry insider said.
By Shin Ha-nee [shin.hanee@joongang.co.kr]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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