The What Van? Road Test: Renault Zoe Van (2020)

Date: Monday, March 29, 2021

Once popular as runabouts suitable for everyone from building site workers to security guards, small hatchback vans have gradually disappeared off the automotive map as customers have opted for something a bit bigger and more practical. 

In recent times Ford’s Fiesta Van has had the field to itself, but it has been joined by a newcomer with a difference. While Ford’s three-door offering comes solely with a petrol engine, Renault’s five-door Zoe Van is battery-powered – and none the worse for it.

Based on the electric Zoe car, it is up for grabs with two different levels of specification: Business and Business +. Our test van was in Business + trim, but a more than respectable level of basic specification means that opting for the entry-level model is unlikely to leave you feeling short-changed. 

The big argument in favour of the Zoe Van, according to Renault, is its range between recharges. You can achieve up to 245 miles (or 239 miles with the Business+ model), according to official Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure figures, the manufacturer says.

Aware that some customers still suffer from range anxiety, Renault is canny enough to quote some less-ambitious figures of its own to avoid disappointment. It suggests 150 miles in the winter, rising to 233 miles when the weather turns mild – a wise precaution.

Charge the van from a 7kW (32A/230v) wall box and you should be able to replenish the battery pack completely in 9.25 hours, the company says. If you have access to a 22kW (32A/400v) public charging point however, it adds, then you should be able to reach 100% in no more than three hours.

The Zoe Van joins an established battery-powered line-up from Renault, which includes the Kangoo Z.E and Master Z.E. Now offered as a 3.5t van, the latter model is sold through Renault Trucks dealers as well as through the car and van network.



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