Renault ZOE is NCAP Safest in Class

The independent body, Euro NCAP has listed the Renault ZOE as the best supermini (electric and internal combustion-engined cars combined) of those it evaluated last year in terms of safety performance. This accolade, which comes on top of the maximum five-star rating achieved by the model in March 2013, stands out as further reassurance for Renault and ZOE’s customers.Renault ZOE

Renaults objective was for the new 100%electric hatchback car to be as safe as the brand’s internal combustion-engined models. It consequently benefited fully from Renault’s extensive expertise and know-how in passive and active safety.  In addition to Euro NCAP requirements, Renault paid careful attention  to two areas that are specific to electric vehicles, their battery and the very little noise they make when running.

Given that batteries are as dangerous as a conventional fuel tank, safety specialists focused particularly on this part of the car. ZOE’s battery casing was reinforced to protect the modules inside, while the wiring was routed to prevent the risk of damage. The batteries were subjected to a comprehensive range of tests, including exposure to flames, immersion, combustion, electrical overload, short circuiting, compression, dropping from a height and the so-called ‘nail penetration test’ (which involves driving a nail into a cell). ZOE ChargerFollowing the car’s crash test, the battery remained intact but an automatic circuit breaker was incorporated in the system as an added precautionary measure. It also has to be said that most major manufacturers of Electric Cars carry out similar  testing to this standard, ensuring they carry the same safety standards.

 

 

 

ZOE INTERIORAs it’s been a known factor of electric vehicles that they make very little noise at speeds of up to 18 mph, the  ZOE is equipped with Z.E. Voice, which warns pedestrians and other road users of the vehicle’s approach when it is travelling from 1 to 18 mph (at a standstill, the car is completely silent).

The sound was custom engineered and developed in association with sound perception and design specialists from France’s Acoustic/Music Research and Coordination Institute (IRCAM). ZOE drivers can choose from three different sounds, dubbed ‘Pure’, ‘Glam’ and ‘Sport’. They are also free to cut the sound at the press of a switch, although it automatically resumes the next time they turn on the car on. The ZOE is due for release in Ireland in2014, for full spec and info on the ZOE click on  http://evcompare.ie/renault-zoe-2