The article was originally produced on November 4, 2019, some facts and prices may have changed since then.

The second generation of the cute Zoe electric car from Renault is here and we were on site in Sardine for a first ride.

When the images of the Zoe concept appeared and the car was then shown at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, it was among the cutest things I’ve seen on four wheels. The car looked like it was taken straight out of Pokemon and something Pikachu would have driven. When the production-ready car then appeared in 2012, it was almost as cute as the concept with only a few minor changes. The name Zoe is Greek and means ”life”, which suits this sweet and lively creation well.

Now generation two is here and just like the Swedish designer Agneta Dahlgren, who designed Zoe says, the new Zoe has grown up and matured. The shapes are no longer as soft and round, which gives a more grown-up impression. Although the exterior shapes have been updated a lot, they haven’t changed so much that you’d mistake the new Zoe for a new model. However, you could not say that about what happened internally, and then we are talking about the technology and performance.

Zoe is, in my opinion, one of the cutest cars ever made, something Pikachu from Pokemon would drive

The first generation Zoe had 88 horsepower and a 22 kWh battery which took it between 10 and 21 miles depending on the environment. Zoe has received a number of updates since its introduction, but with the new generation is a real step up.

The engine is now at 135 horses, the power is now stored in a 52 kWh battery. This not only provides an acceleration from standstill to hundred in under ten seconds, but also a range of approximately 39 miles according to the WLTP formula. WLTP stands for ”Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure” and includes different driving phases to obtain a range that can be compared with other cars.

When it comes to the interior, the new Zoe has received a proper update in the form of a better quality feel and new materials. Agneta Dahlgren says that they worked a lot with recycled materials. For example, the fabric on the dashboard comes from recycled fabrics and seat belts. It is not about old material from scrapped cars, but the material left over from the manufacture of new cars. They have also made the shapes round and soft. A sportier steering wheel has also found its way into the new Zoe. A lot of new storage spaces have also been added where wireless charging of your mobile phone is one of them.

I can reluctantly admit that I was not a big fan of electric cars before. Mainly because I’ve always liked the sound of a lovely V8 or V10 engine, for example. But now it is probably time to crawl to the cross and see yourself convinced. Because if you compare a car the same size as the Zoe but which has a three-cylinder, small, frugal petrol engine, the electric-powered new Zoe is actually much more fun to drive.

A lot has really happened in recent years when it comes to the electrification of cars and now electric cars actually feel like a given option. To name a few advantages beyond the obvious, with the environment in mind and instead letting the heart speak, you have an acceleration that is felt throughout the body. You drive in from most places at a red light and with a big smile on your face. On our test drive excursion on Sardine’s winding roads, a Mercedes SLK finally had to give up and see itself beaten by the new Zoe.

With the new Renault Zoe, I feel that if you live in the city and don’t need a big car, this is an excellent option. If you are not in daily need of a car, Renault has a very good car-sharing service called Aimo, which works specifically with Zoe. So far only in Stockholm though.

Renault Zoe

Basic price	From SEK 239,990 (rented battery), SEK 339,990 (own battery)
Engine	Electric motor, 135 hp (100 kW). Torque 380 Nm
Transmission	Front engine, front wheel drive. Automatic gearbox
Acceleration	0-100 in 7.1 sec
Top speed	140 km/h
Range according to the manufacturer	385 km
Weight	1,502 kg
Guarantees	5 years
Web	www.renault.se