Renault launches EV battery ownership option

Renault UK has introduced a new ownership package for two of its most popular electric vehicles that is expected to help increase their traction in the fleet market.

Customers will now be able to choose between full ownership of the Zoe and Kangoo ZE and the battery or buy-the-car/hire-the-battery schemes. 

“This opens the door to fleet,” said Ken Ramirez, managing director of Renault UK.

“Renault was a pioneer in the EV market and has remained a leader by offering the best technology, across a wide ZE line-up and at affordable prices. 

“The battery leasing scheme has proved popular with customers for the flexibility and lower purchase prices it offers. 

“The addition of full purchase versions on our core EV models will offer private and business customers a greater choice and further strengthen our position in the UK EV market.”

Whichever ownership package the customer chooses, the model line-up is the exactly the same, with the exception of an ‘i’ badge on the tailgate for full purchase vehicles to ensure easy identification for the used vehicle market. The ‘i’ stands for battery included.

Pricing experts CAP, which had criticised Renault for its battery leasing model and refused to forecast used values, has responded positively to the initiative.

Martin Ward, CAP manufacturer relationship manager, said: “The Zoe and Kangoo Van ZE ranges have become a time-tested, high-quality, innovative and important component of a fast-growing vehicle sector.

“CAP Automotive welcomes any steps that broaden choice for the customer and increase the opportunities for take-up of these cars by the motoring public and businesses.”

The Zoe continues to be available in Expression, Dynamique Zen and Dynamique Intens trim levels, while the Kangoo Van ZE range mirrors the versions available in diesel form, with Van, Maxi, Crew Van and Kangoo Maxi Crew Van Cab to choose from.

The Zoe i is available from £18,443 on-the-road, after the Government’s Plug-in Car Grant, compared to £13,995 on battery lease.

The Kangoo Van i range starts at £16,161 (+VAT) after the Government grant, compared to £12,995 (+VAT) if the battery is leased.

These full purchase models are protected by a five-year, 60,000-mile warranty on the batteries in addition to the standard Renault vehicle protection of four years/100,000 miles.

The battery warranty gives the customer peace of mind against possible decreases in battery performance over time, guaranteeing a minimum of 70% of the original capacity for Zoe and 66% for Kangoo Van ZE.

Meanwhile, the battery hire scheme becomes even more appealing with the introduction of a new special offer, says Renault.

Battery hire will start from £25 per month (down from £45) for the Zoe and from £33+VAT per month (down from £61+VAT) for the Kangoo Van ZE range. 

Over a 36-month period this represents a total saving of £900 on Zoe and £1,008+VAT on Kangoo Van ZE on the cost of the battery lease.

The flexibility and convenience of battery hire make these offers even more attractive, says the French manufacturer, with a lifetime performance guarantee on batteries under its lease scheme, including repair or replacement if they fall below 75% of their original capacity, as well as the peace of mind of roadside recovery even in the event of an owner running out of charge away from a charging point.

Pricing – Zoe & Zoe i

All pricing figures are after the Government Plug-in Car Grant.

Pricing – Kangoo ZE & Kangoo i ZE

All prices excluding VAT and after the Government Plug-in Van Grant.