Renault’s new electric car has set a new world record for the longest distance travelled in 24 hours by a production electric car by covering 1,005 (1,618 km) miles in that time. The venue for this 24h Challenge was Aubevoye speed ring in Normandy, France, and the little ZOE managed to complete 363 laps. The previous record was 795 miles (1,280 km).
The ZOE was driven by fifteen drivers from Aubevoye, Cléon, Sandouville, Flins, Douai and Grand Couronne, and they went round driving and charging as necessary. A major contributing factor to the car’s record is its innovative Chameleon charger. This original world-first system makes ZOE compatible with any socket and any power level. ZOE was therefore able to be fast-charged at 43 kW, regaining 80% of battery capacity in under thirty minutes.
The car was charged, or rather fast-charged – 18 times in 24 hours. They’ve probably ruined its battery pack, but tha was a price worth paying. Renault ZOE Electric has an NEDC range of 130 miles (210 km, between 62 and 93 miles depending on conditions of use).
ZOE will go on sale in the UK later this year with a base price of £13,650, plus monthly battery hire from £70.