3 ms·

Not really, that's apples to oranges comparison comparing this to something like a Tesla, Ioniq or one of the large expensive electric SUVs. Something like Ioni

by janoc 5y ago

Not really, that's apples to oranges comparison comparing this to something like a Tesla, Ioniq or one of the large expensive electric SUVs. Something like Ioniq 5 is almost twice as big compared to a Zoe ... Zoe is an urban supermini, only slightly bigger than a Smart or Twingo. And with minimal equipment (no expensive assistive systems) to bring the price down because otherwise it wouldn't be possible to sell it. Zoe pricing starts at 32500€ (comparably or even larger sized Clio at about 15000€). It used to be possible to buy it cheaper - but then you needed to add monthly rent of the battery pack (battery pack was leased from the manufacturer, you don't buy it with the Zoe - Renault specialty) So there simply isn't either physical or pricing space for any fancy equipment like extra airbags, electronic safety/assistive systems, etc. - and that's where Zoe was losing big time in the NCAP tests.

gambiting 5y ago
I generally agree, except for this point: "because otherwise it wouldn't be possible to sell it." Like, Dacia is making their EV literally for 1/3rd of the cost of the Zoe[0], and yet they managed to get 1 star in ncap tests[1]. So no, I don't think it "wouldn't be possible" to include these better systems - it's just Renault being cheap and riding their brand recognition as Zoe is a pretty popular model. [0] https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/dacia-spring-ev-looking-very-positive-uk-sale https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/dacia-spring-ev-... [1] https://www.euroncap.com/en/results/dacia/spring/44197 https://www.euroncap.com/en/results/dacia/spring/44197
- janoc 5y ago
  But Renault and Dacia are not on the same level of tech. Dacia literally uses stripped "hand-me-downs" from old Renault models, i.e. everything where any R&D is long paid of. So of course they are cheap. Dacia certainly didn't get that one star because it includes any assistive systems (it does not). It is just slightly bigger so the protection of the occupants in the cabin is naturally better than in the cramped Zoe.

by janoc 5y ago

gambiting 5y ago

I generally agree, except for this point: "because otherwise it wouldn't be possible to sell it." Like, Dacia is making their EV literally for 1/3rd of the cost of the Zoe[0], and yet they managed to get 1 star in ncap tests[1]. So no, I don't think it "wouldn't be possible" to include these better systems - it's just Renault being cheap and riding their brand recognition as Zoe is a pretty popular model. [0] https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/dacia-spring-ev-looking-very-positive-uk-sale https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/dacia-spring-ev-... [1] https://www.euroncap.com/en/results/dacia/spring/44197 https://www.euroncap.com/en/results/dacia/spring/44197

janoc 5y ago
But Renault and Dacia are not on the same level of tech. Dacia literally uses stripped "hand-me-downs" from old Renault models, i.e. everything where any R&D is long paid of. So of course they are cheap. Dacia certainly didn't get that one star because it includes any assistive systems (it does not). It is just slightly bigger so the protection of the occupants in the cabin is naturally better than in the cramped Zoe.