Renault Sells “Only” 10,000 Zoe EVs During First Year Of Availability

(Before It's News)

Originally published on EV Obsession.

The sales figures for the Renault Zoe EV‘s first year have been released, and while they don’t quite live up to the hopes that the noted manufacturer had, they are substantial.

Renault had been aiming to sell 50,000 units during the first year of availability, but sales ended up topping out at “only” just over 10,000 units — only one-fifth of the initial sales target, but still making it one of the best-selling electric cars in the world. The Renault Zoe actually accounted for 40% of the European EV market in 2013. There’s something important to note beyond these sales figures, though: reports are that customer satisfaction is very high. Those that have bought the EV are apparently quite happy with it, certainly something that bodes well for future sales.

Zoe electric car (Image Credit: Renault)

Renault provides details on that high satisfaction rating:

Following the partnership agreement signed by Renault and the Château de Versailles on July 29, 2013, almost 23 electric cars (10 Twizy, 10 Kangoo ZE, 3 ZOE) are used by employees (security guards for Versailles and Marly, gardeners, administration….). Thirty charging stations have been installed in the grounds. This partnership protects the environment of the gardens, and contributes to the comfort and safety of the 12 million annual visitors.

ZOE drivers are its best spokespeople. For this first anniversary, Renault received a huge and enthusiastic response when it invited owners to come and talk about their car and their experience with ZOE. Many believe that simply test driving an electric car is enough to make anybody want one: 98% of ZOE owners are satisfied and 97% would recommend it. Alongside driving pleasure, customers appreciate the comfort offered by ZOE: no noise, no vibrations and smooth acceleration (no gear shift).

In terms of safety, ZOE meets the highest standards. It was recently named “Best Electric Vehicle of 2013″ by Euro NCAP, the independent test organization.

Clearly, Renault has plenty to brag about. With information like that in mind it seems pretty likely that the Zoe will continue to see respectable sales… But it’ll be interesting to see what exactly happens in that regard. Will word of mouth drive an increase in sales?

Notably, Renault is also bringing a new offer to the table concerning the battery in order to drive down upfront costs of the Zoe.

Starting 2014 with good news, for consumers buying a new ZOE, Renault is launching “ZOE Access”, a new battery rental service from €49/month, targeting drivers with low mileage.

Read more Renault Zoe news here.

Renault Sells “Only” 10,000 Zoe EVs During First Year Of Availability was originally published on: CleanTechnica.

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