Any new Renault Zoe owners out there?

Any new Renault Zoe owners out there?

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Discussion

dapprman

2,316 posts

267 months

Saturday 25th July 2020
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dgswk said:
Hi chaps
Begs the question - I'm not waiting till midnight to rush outside and plug it in and getting up at 5 to unplug it. How do you schedule the charge - does the wall box do it, or does the car do it? Do I need a posh charger, or will the cheapest T2 be fine?
Yo can set up multiple charging schedules in the car itself and theoretically swap through the app. The in-car part works as I have one set for 21:00-06:00 every day (I have an old economy 10 set up) though I have to remember to change it to instant charge when I plug in to a local charger (the ones at the near by Tescos are free).
The BP Chargemstater unit has a website and app which will allow you to schedule through there, however my unit (free through buying direct from Renault) stopped communicating the day my car arrived and plugged it in. A new charger was installed a couple of weeks back but I've now had to chase several times as it's not been linked to my account. Not an issue for me, but if I were to have a car which could not do it's own scheduling (as I believe is the situation with the MG) then that would be a pain.

anonymous-user

54 months

Saturday 25th July 2020
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HTP99 said:
charltjr said:
You can always try one via evezy and see how it suits you for a couple of months. I might even have one now but the lack of reach adjust on the steering wheel meant it was impossible to get a comfortable driving position.
They have both reach and rake adjustment on the steering wheel.
You’re quite right, apologies, I was mixing it up with the Leaf. It was the lack of height adjust on the drivers seat which ruled the Zoe out for me.

HTP99

22,549 posts

140 months

Sunday 26th July 2020
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The Rotrex Kid said:
HTP99 said:
The Rotrex Kid said:
HTP99 said:
The Rotrex Kid said:
dgswk said:
Hi chaps

Looks like we are pushing on this this, negotiating between Renault Retail and Electric Auto on the best lease deal at the moment; 1+35 for £343 seems to be about the best, only a few pennies between them, then repeat in 3 years.

Couple of questions for the experienced amongst you.....

Trying to talk to my Electric Supplier (Scottish Power) about cheap overnight charging, 00:00 to 05:00, they do it, 5.6p KWh down from 14.76p, just need to have a well connected smart meter. Our smart meter hasn't worked in years, so they are looking into it..... good job the car wont arrive for a couple of months.

Begs the question - I'm not waiting till midnight to rush outside and plug it in and getting up at 5 to unplug it. How do you schedule the charge - does the wall box do it, or does the car do it? Do I need a posh charger, or will the cheapest T2 be fine?

Leased cars dont get the BP Chargemaster free install I'm told, so it will be DIY. I'm an ex-electrician, not quite forgotten everything yet, but basically a 6mm on a 32A breaker, < 8m from distribution board so should be fine. Actually better, as I'll have floor boards up and hide the cables.

That is unless I can find a good deal, but am I missing something - even with the grant, they all seem to be > £500, a lot of money for 10m of 6mm, a breaker, a box with a big plug on it and an easy mornings work?
Shame you’re so far away, I could supply you one on the same deal!

As for the charging, you can schedule it from within the car or the app.
I think I can do a far better deal than that on PCH, where are you dgswk and what is your annual mileage?
Can you? hehe

What discount are you using that I’m not?

1+35, GT line RC in glacier with 15kpa non maintained?
I had a guy in yesterday on a PCH based on a non Rapid Gt-Line 3+35 10k pa which with a quick calculation worked out at circa £2k less than dgswk's quote (assuming 10k pa), OK a rapid charge but residual percentage on a rapid charge is higher than a non rapid charge, I'd need to look at it properly, I may be completely wrong!
1+35 on an RC is £316 @ 10k, those 15k miles make a hell of a difference!
Yep you are correct, I've run the numbers.

dgswk

Original Poster:

893 posts

94 months

Sunday 26th July 2020
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All I can say is for a grand or more over the term, I’d travel smile

dgswk

Original Poster:

893 posts

94 months

Sunday 26th July 2020
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Heathwood said:
I have mixed feeling about these.

I had one of the first edition when it was almost cheaper than walking to lease one (£79pcm+£50 battery rental, no deposit).

I quite liked the car and there’s only really 3 important elements to the car; the battery pack, the motor and the cabling between the two. Trouble is, all 3 needed replacing under warranty within a few thousand miles after total failure of the car occurred with no warning (blocking the entrance/exit to my kids nursery for 6 hours). Glad I wasn’t paying the bill!

Still, the Corsa that Renault put me in for a week while investigating the issue made me realise that I really liked driving the Zoe but, in truth, the novelty had warn off by the time the 2 year lease ended; not helped by the growing reluctance for it to connect to the home charger (I never bothered trying to charge away from home).

Despite this, I have quite fond memories and, despite having friends who also leased one, know of nobody else that had the problems I did.

I wonder whether the later models retain the charm but have subtly improved the reliability and, of course, the range. All in all, I still think they’re the answer to a lot of current automotive questions.
The home charging issues is the piece that worries me, as it will rarely be charged anywhere else. But then the ‘fond memories’ is a real plus as ultimately for us, it is a daily necessary item, akin to washing machine / fridge, so if it’s actually cool, and a good place to be - and painless to drive - then massive bonus. Mrs dgswk likes them, dgswk jnr has an 06 Clio and loves his and wants a go when it rocks up.

Had a Corsa, and a Vectra. A lot of dislike for both sadly. Sorry Luton or wherever they make them. Have to say, both of us love our 500x, so much better than it ought to be, will miss it. If it wasn’t worth a few quid, I’d bin my A6 shed and keep it.

anonymous-user

54 months

Sunday 26th July 2020
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How does this one look? I’m happy to deal with a PHer if they have a better deal for me

https://leasing.com/independent-brokers/360-vehicl...

The Rotrex Kid

30,299 posts

160 months

Sunday 26th July 2020
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JPJPJP said:
How does this one look? I’m happy to deal with a PHer if they have a better deal for me

https://leasing.com/independent-brokers/360-vehicl...
Yeah seems like a good one, we could very likely do the same but I’m in the depths of Cornwall, HTP might be able to assist you a bit closer though.

HTP99

22,549 posts

140 months

Sunday 26th July 2020
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The Rotrex Kid said:
JPJPJP said:
How does this one look? I’m happy to deal with a PHer if they have a better deal for me

https://leasing.com/independent-brokers/360-vehicl...
Yeah seems like a good one, we could very likely do the same but I’m in the depths of Cornwall, HTP might be able to assist you a bit closer though.
Butterface?

The Rotrex Kid

30,299 posts

160 months

Sunday 26th July 2020
quotequote all
HTP99 said:
The Rotrex Kid said:
JPJPJP said:
How does this one look? I’m happy to deal with a PHer if they have a better deal for me

https://leasing.com/independent-brokers/360-vehicl...
Yeah seems like a good one, we could very likely do the same but I’m in the depths of Cornwall, HTP might be able to assist you a bit closer though.
Butterface?
Yeah man, change of name! hehe

dgswk

Original Poster:

893 posts

94 months

Sunday 26th July 2020
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If your anywhere near Hayle - PZ or Falmouth, and can get me as good a deal, PM me, I spend half my life down there. 500X currently in garage in Copperhouse.

The Rotrex Kid

30,299 posts

160 months

Sunday 26th July 2020
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I’m literally smack bang between all of those, Redruth! hehe

I’ll message you tomorrow!

dgswk

Original Poster:

893 posts

94 months

Sunday 26th July 2020
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Please do, next step was asking for the finance forms, rather give a ph’er the business

The Rotrex Kid

30,299 posts

160 months

Sunday 26th July 2020
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I’ve sent you an email now if you can confirm.

nuttywobbler

349 posts

62 months

Monday 27th July 2020
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dgswk said:
Just seems cost neutral at least, when we are paying £230pm on a loan on the 500X, then chucking £150 of diesel in on top of that plus additional service / maintenance / MOT costs which come with an older car. Even after you chuck £40 of additional electricity each month on the bill.

Hmmm. Almost a no brainer?
How much longer have you got to go on the loan though, OP? As when that's paid off, the car is yours - and it becomes a cheaper option than renting a new Zoe. The Fiat is £230pm now and for a few months into the future, then nothing. Once you go down the leasing route, you have monthly payments... forever.

dgswk

Original Poster:

893 posts

94 months

Monday 27th July 2020
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Yeah, the thought does / did occur, but I'm from the finance all depreciating assets camp! (apart from my Audi Shed, no one would finance that, well not at a sensible APR anyway!!!)



off_again

12,298 posts

234 months

Monday 27th July 2020
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My sis had a first gen Zoe and just replaced it with the later one - I think the 40 version.

Couple of comments from me on it. Zippy and perfectly great at the city car thing. First gen infotainment sucked and wasnt good. Range was poor too, but she regularly saw more than was advertised. Also, the interior is basic at best with simple seats and almost no real creature comforts. Replaced with the later model and its a small step up in interior, but the back seat is terrible. It is cramped and hard with no real redeeming features, but if you have kids car seats or rarely use them, thats fine.

Its a small car and parking is easy and the upgraded infotainment is better, but still not great. Very simple to drive and is actually pretty nice. The longer range model is heavier though and that does affect the ride. I noticed it straightaway and while the first gen wasnt great, it was smoother and less crashy. Clearly the longer range model is a lot heavier. Personally I would drive them before you make a judgement, as my BiL hates it, but my sis loves it - think marmite on the ride. Not sure its that bad, but clearly doesnt match the price.

As for reliability - first gen had a couple of small issues all sorted out by the local Renault dealer and the battery pack was replaced under warranty. Latest one has been perfect with no issues and only a yearly service. They really love the idea of fixed price motoring and very little impact if it gets driven for local short distance trips. I was even impressed when she picked me up from Gatwick airport once - well over the range on a full charge! Quick stop at Reading services and a coffee and we were off again. All seamless and simple and no real worries about the range etc. She's no super fast driver but kept up with the motorway traffic and it was pretty relaxing. Impressed!

dgswk

Original Poster:

893 posts

94 months

Tuesday 28th July 2020
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Just a quick note of thanks to you Zoe owners (and dealers!) out there, the button has been pushed on a Diamond Black GT Line RC, order accepted, should rock up mid-Sept on a 1+35 lease.

Got to sort the charging station at home now as thats where it'll receive 99% of its power and sort Scottish Power out and take up their EV overnight tariff. Quite excited! Not quite a 'ludicrous' Tesla but perfect for what we need and the auto should take away some of the pain of the Birmingham commute.

dapprman

2,316 posts

267 months

Tuesday 28th July 2020
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off_again said:
My sis had a first gen Zoe and just replaced it with the later one - I think the 40 version.

Couple of comments from me on it. Zippy and perfectly great at the city car thing. First gen infotainment sucked and wasnt good. Range was poor too, but she regularly saw more than was advertised. Also, the interior is basic at best with simple seats and almost no real creature comforts. Replaced with the later model and its a small step up in interior, but the back seat is terrible. It is cramped and hard with no real redeeming features, but if you have kids car seats or rarely use them, thats fine.

Its a small car and parking is easy and the upgraded infotainment is better, but still not great. Very simple to drive and is actually pretty nice. The longer range model is heavier though and that does affect the ride. I noticed it straightaway and while the first gen wasnt great, it was smoother and less crashy. Clearly the longer range model is a lot heavier. Personally I would drive them before you make a judgement, as my BiL hates it, but my sis loves it - think marmite on the ride. Not sure its that bad, but clearly doesnt match the price.!
Sounds like a 40 - the new 50 (which I have) they've stepped up again with much improvement in interior, ride and handling, split a 60:40 split rear seat (except on the base model). Still lack of leg room in the back though. Ent system options are now the standard ones across the Renault range for better or for worse. Price wise it is good for what you get compared to other EVs, however I did compared mine to the equivalent clio and there a £12k difference before discounts!!

anonymous-user

54 months

Thursday 10th September 2020
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Mine has been delivered today. It is a step up in terms of interior finish than the 64 plate one I had nearly 6 years ago. Nicer instruments and the touchscreen menus make a bit more sense. A few bits of fancy trim on the outside and the wheels looks nice enough.

And the big battery - 245 miles on a charge. I’ve only done 6 miles so far, but I think it will do. Seats seem comfy enough and driving position will do

It is definitely white goods as far as cars go, but it is perfectly adequate for me

dgswk

Original Poster:

893 posts

94 months

Thursday 10th September 2020
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JPJPJP said:
Mine has been delivered today. It is a step up in terms of interior finish than the 64 plate one I had nearly 6 years ago. Nicer instruments and the touchscreen menus make a bit more sense. A few bits of fancy trim on the outside and the wheels looks nice enough.

And the big battery - 245 miles on a charge. I’ve only done 6 miles so far, but I think it will do. Seats seem comfy enough and driving position will do

It is definitely white goods as far as cars go, but it is perfectly adequate for me
That’s good to know, thank you! We’ve just had delivery confirmed for the 28th. Have not sorted charger yet - as it’s leased, apparently we don’t get one for free. Given the 70 miles a day it will do, we’ll live with 3 pin extension lead For a couple of weeks while we move electricity supplier to a nice low cost ev tariff later in the year.