The fifth annual BusinessCar Fleet Awards– affectionately known as the Techies – have just taken place, celebrating the best in “modern, practical and evolutionary methods of operating vehicles for commercial purposes”, and promoting cars that help fleets operate in a cheaper, cleaner or more efficient way.
The Renault ZOE appears to have ticked all these boxes, making the decision easy for the Techies judges. Despite a maximum range of 130 miles (which may not be practical for every motorist), the ZOE has been deemed ideal for businesses that are looking to improve their green credentials.
BusinessCar Editor Paul Barker said: “The Renault ZOE is a huge boost to the electric vehicle sector because it's clearly the most attractive model to enter this fledgling marketplace. Renault's commitment to and investment in zero tailpipe emission vehicles is helping fleets meet their environmental and cost objectives in terms of running their vehicles, and deserves commendation.”
Judges noted that the P11D – ranging from £18,388 to £19,988 – represented a great deal, even before you’ve deducted £5000 from the Government thanks to eco initiatives. They were especially impressed with the cutting edge technology in the French marque's flagship electric vehicle, including its five ‘world premiere’ features and 60 patents.
Technology in the Renault Zoe
The Range OptimiZEr package, which helps increase the range of the car to 130 miles, the longest of any purely electric vehicle in its class. (This may equate to 90 miles in real-world driving conditions.) This package includes:
- Bi-model regenerative braking
- Heat pump
- Michelin EnergyTM E-V tyres
Chameleon charger, compatible with various power sources to provide charging from 3kW up to 43kW. (So charging can be done in as little as 30 minutes.)
R-Link, with a 7” embedded tablet in the dashboard, touchscreen display and voice recognition technology. Access apps and services from a connected store and get your emails and tweets as you drive.
My Z.E. Inter@ctive app, allowing drivers to control cabin temparture and charging schedules from a smartphone.
Built-in Sat Nav (identifies closest charging points)
‘Z.E. Voice’, to warn pedestrians that the car is coming, up to 18mph
‘Take Care’ package, including an air ioniser and a fragrance diffuser
Phil York, Renault UK's Marketing Director, commented: “ZOE represents cutting edge technology in a truly stylish package, offering everybody the opportunity to ‘go electric' at the same price as diesel-engined alternatives.
“ZOE is a major step forward in useful technology and makes a genuine difference to the environment and the way people drive. We are delighted this has been recognised at the Techies and are very proud to receive this Green award.”
The Renault ZOE, which was launched in June this year, has a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating and is available in three trim levels. Monthly battery hire starts from £70 per month.
Perhaps surprisingly, the Green category saw the honourable mention go to Porsche for their high-performance Panamera S E-Hybrid. The plug-in hybrid was Highly Commended in the Best Green Development section due to very low CO2 emissions (71 g/km) and excellent fuel efficiency (91mpg), despite having a top speed of 184 mph. (It’s pretty pricey though.)
The Techies
Techies Judging Panel:
- ACFO chairman and head of operations at Bracknell Forest Council, Damian James
- BusinessCar’s editor Paul Barker
- Deputy editor Jack Carfrae
- Techies founder and contributing editor Tristan Young.
As the BusinessCar website states, “Each of this year's winners and those who achieve Highly Commended spots (we award up to two when the calibre is particularly high) can be proud that their developments are the most practical, helpful and worthwhile to fleet operators and that they have genuinely moved the game along.”
View all the award winners, or browse our range of new Renault ZOE cars, also available to lease from Arnold Clark from just £234.99 per month.