your questions about E-Tech electric technology

Electric cars compare well to combustion-powered cars in terms of reliability.

Renault has developed E-Tech technology based on its expertise in electric cars and its experience in F1, and with the support of its engineering teams to make it as reliable as possible.

Electric motors are less complicated and have fewer parts and therefore require less maintenance. Problems are therefore easier to deal with and repair than on a combustion-powered vehicle.

Their components are just as robust and durable as those on combustion-powered vehicles, and more than 30,000 employees throughout the Renault network across Europe have already been trained to assist you with the maintenance of your E-Tech electric vehicle.

The vehicles with E-Tech electric technology that we offer today are the result of years of work that have proven successful in Zoe since 2012. We are proud of the fact that our electric expertise allows us to develop new technologies that make electric cars even more reliable.

Yes, carbon emissions are emitted when the cars are manufactured and through brake and tyre wear, but there are no exhaust pipe emissions while driving the electric
vehicle in electric mode. 

It is very easy to start an electric car, but it is essential to do it correctly.

Regardless of your model (ignition key or start/stop button), you need to keep your foot on the brake pedal to validate the start-up procedure. You can then take your foot off the pedal and the vehicle will start silently. Because it is electric, it is quieter, but your dashboard will confirm that it is on.

You do not use the clutch to travel forwards or to reverse; instead you use the selection lever and the accelerator pedal to indicate your choice. Press on the brake to slow down or stop. The vehicle stops and starts the motor by itself. After starting, you can enjoy flexible driving with dynamic pick-up and clean, instant acceleration.

In theory, pretty much anywhere. All you need to charge an electric vehicle is electricity, therefore any socket is a potential charging point.

You will often find so-called “public” sockets in car parks, shopping centres, on the motorway and in some carsharing networks. Many retailers also offer charging points, including more than 400 Renault locations across Europe. The charging points there offer faster charging (i.e. on average 1.5 hours for an 80% charge*).

The advantages:

• the My Renault app⁽¹⁾ helps you to plan your routes according to the charging points available.
• the Mobilize charge pass gives you access to the best charging network in Europe.

Charging your electric car:

• At home, plug it into a domestic socket (reinforced or standard) or your wall-mounted charging point. Mobilize power solutions helps you with the installation of your home charging solution. Order your home charging solution when you buy your new Renault at your retailer.

• On the road, stop at one of the many public charging points. In a rush? Try the quick charge stations. Use the route planner to locate the nearest station and then Mobilize charge pass to pay easily at most public stations.

There are several ways you can maximise your range. 

The most important factor is your driving style. To increase the driving range and make the most of regenerative braking, you should adopt eco-driving behaviour: think ahead, use the engine brake, drive sensibly, etc.

And you can turn on the ECO driving mode to improve the driving range even further. The power of the air conditioning or heating and the dynamic performance of your vehicle are reduced to maximise your range. 

Mobilize power solutions help you with the installation of your home charging solution. Order your charging solution at your retailer when you order your new Renault E‑Tech electric or hyper hybrid E-Tech vehicle. 

As is often the case, the answer is several people rather than just one.

There are a few key moments that help us to retrace the origins:

• In 1830, Scotsman Robert Anderson invented a kind of electric carriage.
• In around 1835, Thomas Davenport followed by creating a small electric locomotive.
• In 1859, Gaston Planté invented the first rechargeable battery, which was then further improved by Camille Faure in 1881.
• In around 1895, a photo shows Thomas Parker posing next to an electric car. He was known for inventing the equipment that powered the first electric tramways, so it is feasible that he was the inventor of the car in the photo... but we cannot be absolutely certain.
• Renault helped to popularise electric cars with the launch of Renault Zoé in 2012.