Renault has announced that buyers of its all-new, all-electric Zoe will receive a free domestic charging point at home. The 7kWh wall-box will be supplied and installed by British Gas, and should save buyers around £500. Buyers are also granted free access to the UK's network of public charging points as part of the package.
Renault is the first manufacturer to introduce this offer; utilising the government's 75 per cent incentive towards the cost of installing domestic wall-boxes. Alongside the £5,000 government grant given to buyers of all-electric vehicles, the cost of the Renault Zoe now starts at just £13,650 - making it a strong contender in the supermini segment.
"We've been delighted with the level of interest shown in Zoe," comments Andy Heiron, Head of Renault's Electric Vehicle Programme. "Adding a free Wall-box now makes it an even more irresistible proposition."
The new wall-box offer means that the Zoe's battery can be charged to full capacity in just three and a half hours, while 43kWh public Rapid-Charger points will provide up to 80 per cent charge in just 30 minutes. The wall-box also comes with a 4.5-metre charging cable, which should make charging easier for those without garages.
Andreas Atkins, Head of EV Services at British Gas says, "We are delighted to provide Zoe customers with safer, faster, convenient home charging. This is a great step forward in making owning and running an EV more affordable."
Renault's alliance with British Gas comes from the company's contribution to installing and maintaining domestic and commercial EV charging points across the country.
The Renault Zoe is scheduled to hit UK showrooms on 7th June.
James Giddings - 25 Mar 2013