Renault may be set to join
Mercedes and
Volkswagen in announcing and unveiling a new electric model at next week's Paris Auto Show.
Allegedly, the French automaker will unveil a new-and-improved version of the popular all-electric
Zoe, now with a range of around 354 km (220 miles) or almost double that of the current car.
French media outlet
BFMTV says that the updated variant of the Zoe will be installed with a new and more efficient electric motor. Additionally, a larger battery pack will be fitted, potentially up to 60 kWh in capacity, significantly more than the hatchback's current 22 kWh battery pack and on par with the battery of the
Chevrolet Bolt.
If these reports prove accurate, there's a possibility that the current Zoe could be replaced entirely by this updated model. Alternatively, the larger battery pack and new electric motor could simply be offered as costly extras or within a dedicated high-mileage variant.
Whatever the case may be, the launch of such a model will give the Renault-Nissan Alliance a rival to the impending
Opel Ampera-e throughout the European market where the current Zoe is one of the
best-selling electric vehicles.