Overview
The Renault Zoe is a unique vehicle in how it charges in comparison to the majority if not all other EVs on the market. Zoe uses part of the drive motor to aid in its charging, this in turn often means the Zoe will give an audible hum when charging but does also mean it can be temperamental in charging.
This article provides guidance on addressing specific charging issues encountered with the Renault Zoe, a unique EV with distinct charging characteristics.
Overview
The Renault Zoe has a distinctive charging process compared to most other electric vehicles (EVs). It utilises part of the drive motor to assist in charging, which can result in an audible hum during charging and may cause some temperamental behaviour. This article focuses on two common issues: "Charge Delayed - Wheels not straight" and "Charge Delayed - EV Battery Temperature Low."
Charge Delayed - Wheels Not Straight
If your Renault Zoe refuses to charge, one initial step is to check if the wheels are straight. Although it may seem unusual, the alignment of the wheels can impact the vehicle’s ability to charge.
- Observation: The EV may display a message indicating that battery charging is impossible.
- Solution: Turn on the vehicle, roll it forward and backward to straighten the wheels, and then attempt to charge again. This simple adjustment often resolves the charging issue.
| Credit - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vc56wC3Xmzo |
Charge Delayed - EV Battery Temperature Low
Another common issue with the Renault Zoe is related to the battery temperature. When using the newer Zoe app, you may notice that while the vehicle indicates it is ready to charge, the zappi charger shows a "Charge Delayed" message. This delay occurs because the battery needs to reach an optimal temperature before charging can commence.
- Observation: The EV’s display will show that charging is in progress, but the zappi charger will indicate a delay due to low battery temperature.
- App Indicator: The Zoe connected services app will show an orange colour for the range and charging status when the battery temperature is low.
- Solution: Allow the battery to warm up. Once it reaches a suitable temperature, the Zoe will automatically begin charging without further issues.
Conclusion
The Renault Zoe’s unique charging process can present specific challenges, but understanding these common issues and their solutions can help ensure a smoother charging experience. For persistent problems, consult your vehicle’s user manual or contact Renault support for further assistance.
Charge Delayed - Earthing issues
The Renault Zoe is known for its heightened sensitivity to high earthing impedance, which can affect its charging performance. This sensitivity means that, even with chargers featuring built-in earthing protection, an external earth rod may still be necessary in cases where a property has underlying earthing issues. This requirement is common across many, if not all, chargers when dealing with the Zoe, as an earth rod can help stabilise the grounding conditions, ensuring a reliable and safe charging experience. Therefore, customers experiencing charging interruptions or issues with their Zoe are often advised to install an earth rod to mitigate these earthing inconsistencies.