Life with Zoe, Our New Electric Car

I've been wanting to own an electric car for the past 20 years, and now have finally found the means to do so. Thanks to a big help from the French government offering us €10,000 for removing our polluting diesel Peugeot Partner from circulation, the price was akin to buying a new car. Plus, we were advised to lease it, as opposed to owning it, since Renault created an innovative program to lease the battery separately, and take advantage of the rapidly changing technological advances with the batteries.

The other reason we chose the Renault Zoe is because it has won the Carbuyer Best Electric Car Award for the 4th year running. Thanks to the longest battery life of the other similar cars in its class at 230 miles per charge officially. We keep explaining to people that we don't have to charge our car every two hours, which seems to be the common misperception. Also, a unique bonus exists for our mountainous region; when we climb the steep mountain roads, we discharge the battery, however, cruising back down recharges it! So in some cases we return with more charge than when we left!

An electric car is not without its complications, however. Like making sure the plug is charging correctly, or ensuring the car is fully in "park" to start the charge. These are just a few of the new practices we have to follow. And having to choose weekend trips in terms of kilometers and charging station locations. We were almost stranded in Vevey, Switzerland, along the shores of Lake Geneva, which is like being stranded in the Hamptons, but the Renault GPS refused to allow us to return home because the distance required exceeded the charge we had left on the car. And no charging stations seemed to exist for the route home. Thankfully, much of the trip home was downhill, so we ended up arriving with 60 kilometers to spare.

The other major issue is that the charging stations on the internal Renault GPS are provided by a 3rd party and don't seem to be updated at all. So we have downloaded apps like Chargemap with updated charging stations and user comments.

The other great news is that our Haute Savoie Region is aggressively pursuing strategies to bring more tourists with electric cars to the region. They plan to install 130 charging stations by the end of 2017. Right now there are 19, so this is very aggressive, but it makes sense, especially with the fact we are now the most air polluted region in France for three years running! France has now sold over 100,000 electric cars cumulatively, and is the European leader for sales of electric cars.

Next step? We're heading south to Monaco next weekend for the 2nd annual ePrix, that's right the Grand Prix for electric cars. This series remains the only 100% electric single-seaters championship in the world, established to promote clean mobility technology. It will take place on the lower part of the F1 track for the world-famous Monaco Grand Prix. Monaco is also promoting its own zero emissions campaign, including free parking for electric cars and free charging stations, so we're taking full advantage. Plus, what a stunning backdrop to test the limits of our Renault Zoe, who we've fondly renamed Zoe Blanchette (as she's as white as Le Mont Blanc).

If you need help in buying a Zoe, our Renault Sales Consultant, Elodie DEPROST BONIFACIO was fabulous. Feel free to contact her for more information on all the French government help and anything else. The Sallanches Dealership was also great!