Opel and General Motors may be touting the upcoming, 2017 Ampera-e as the people’s EV, but Renault has something to say about that.
Renault has revealed its extended-range Zoe with an estimated driving range of 400 kilometers, according to Automotive News. You might say, “But, the Ampera-e has 500 kilometers of range!” To which, we’d reply, yes. However, there’s a catch to the 500 km range.
The 500 km rating comes under the New European Driving Cycle rating, which will soon be replaced by the World Light Vehicle Test Procedure next year. That cycle will net the Opel Ampera-e a rating much closer to 383 km, or the 238 miles the EPA estimated in the United States with the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV.
The Renault Zoe, therefore, outdoes the Ampera-e by 11 miles. It’s also available as you read this, while the 2017 Ampera-e waits until spring to launch.
If you’re wondering if the Ampera-e is possibly the better value proposition, that’s also likely not the case. The Renault Zoe starts at $26,500, coming in less expensive than the American Bolt EV. Opel has not officially priced the Ampera-e, but it’s unlikely to be cheaper than its U.S. counterpart.
However, it’s just the beginning for affordable EVs, and we can only expect them to become less expensive as their popularity increases in the future.
Comments
It will be interesting to see just what real world drivers see with the GM model. Many in testing went farther than the 238 but GM wanted to be conservative on the range as it is best to under estimate it vs. the PR nightmare of never delivering the quoted range.
As for the Zoe no one cares as it is a Renault. Only the French will care.
Everywhere in the world cares….Except the USA
Don’t forget, this could be next generation Nissan Leaf.
I did think of that after my post.
I have a slight fear of the Leaf from what I have seen. The numbers are still pending and could be a big deal from what I have heard rumored.
+1 to you Kelvin.
The Zoe is a LOT smaller. How can you compare them?
Unless I’m mistaken, at the base price quoted the ZOE requires battery rental. Sorry, but no thanks.
The Zoe is estimated to have a 300km real world range, not 400km. The 400km also comes from the NEDC cycle. So actually the Ampera-e should have 25% greater range.
This is the dumbest article I’ve read in a long time. The Zoe is measured by the same NEDC standard therefore in the real world reduces by proportionately the same amount as the Ampera-e.
As I understood it – the EPA equivalent for the Renault Zoe is 186 miles of range. Pretty good – anything in the ballpark of 200 mile range is great. The problem for Renault is that stupid battery rental thing they go on with.
That alone would disqualify Renault in my book. A real pity as they are producing some good electric cars.