Some have launched hybrids. Others have gone for super-improved petrol cars, but not Renault.

The bold French company has gambled, it has to be said, with one of the most impressive all-electric cars on the road.

ZOE, named after ZerO Emissions, is the company’s first bespoke 100 per cent electric vehicle which can be yours for £13,650, which is impressive compared to some sky-high hybrids.

On the downside, battery hire is £70 a month but it does have a range of 130 miles which makes it dependable for all but the longest commuters.

No wonder the company is proud of its ‘Renault 2016 – Drive the Change’ plan to cut its global carbon footprint by ten per cent per cent between 2013 and 2016.

ZOE is a supermini and unlike a lot of electric and hybrid models it has European style. In fact, Renault says it heralds a new era of electric vehicles for all.

Renault claims the car perfect for commuting, supermarket and school runs, and for households who want to downsize their engine and carbon footprint.

ZOE packs advanced technology, including six ‘world premiere’ features and 60 patents designed to deliver user-friendliness, range and connectivity.

It comes in the wake of the Fluence ZE saloon, Kangoo Van ZE and the innovative urban runabout Twizy to make zero emission mobility a reality for ordinary motorists – one of the pledges of Renault’s ‘Drive the Change’ signature.

Andy Heiron, Renault’s UK head of electric vehicles programme, said: “ZOE will be the spearhead of the Renault ZE range.

“In addition to its compact size, attractive styling and affordable price tag, it showcases Renault’s technological excellence when it comes to electric vehicles.”

It is available in three trim levels – Expression, Dynamique Zen and Dynamique – and is packed innovations. These include ‘Range OptimiZEr’ which combines three major innovations (new-generation regenerative braking, a heat pump and special tyres).

Due to this, the range of ZOE has the longest range of the electric vehicles in mass production.

ZOE is the only electric vehicle to feature a special charger. Charging batteries at a charging station can take between 30 minutes and nine hours, with 80 per cent of full battery power able to be achieved within 30 minutes using a single type of connection for the car.

ZOE is also the first Renault with new multimedia system, Renault R-Link.

To enable drivers to control its functions without taking their eyes off the road, R-Link features a large seven-inch display, steering wheel-mounted controls and voice recognition. It also delivers connectivity with motoring services and applications from the R-Link Store.

Acceleration and pull-away are responsive from low speeds, while top speed is limited to 84mph.

Driving is relaxing thanks to the silent ride and smooth acceleration. ZOE is fitted with a ‘Voice’, an alarm which warns pedestrians that the vehicle is approaching.

Just think, after years of making quieter cars, we are now making them noisier!

The driver can choose between three sounds, while it is possible to turn off the warning system by simply pressing a button.

Programmable pre-conditioning heats or cools ZOE’s cabin when the vehicle is charging so when the driver gets into the car the cabin is just the right temperature and battery charge is saved.

ZOE Expression comes with an on-the-road price of £13,650, after the Government Plug-in Car Grant deduction.

Renault Zoe Expression 5-dr PRICE: £17,793, cheapest of three options ENGINE: An electric motor which emits 88bhp via automatic transmission and front wheel drive PERFORMANCE: Top speed 84mph, 0 to 60mph in 13.5 secs INSURANCE: Group 15 EMISSIONS: Nil WARRANTY: Four years’ 100,000 miles warranty