Renault has revealed the new third-generation Zoe EV, which has a new battery and new electric motor to deliver a 242-mile zero-emissions range.

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Externally the Franch carmaker's compact electric vehicle (EV) has been given a facelift, with new bumpers and standard-fit LED headlights.

The interior features a new layout with digital instruments and a 9.3-inch portrait infotainment screen.

Perhaps the most important change, however, is the fitment of a new 52kWh battery, boosting the Zoe’s maximum range by 30% to 242 miles.

The new battery is the same size as the old 40kWh unit in the last Zoe, meaning interior space is not compromised.

Charging can now be carried out using AC and DC chargers. When using a 7kW wallbox the car can charge from zero to 100% percent in 9 hours and 25 minutes.

A 22kW charger can deliver 78 miles of range in one hour. New 50kW DC chargers can add around 90 miles of range in as little as half an hour.

Two electric motors will be offered, with outputs of 108PS (R110) and 135PS (R135).

The new R135 motor develops 245Nm, giving a zero to 62mph time of less than 10 seconds and a 50 to 75 mph time of 7.1 seconds.

The R110 motor is carried over unchanged.

Both motors now come equipped with the new “B mode” driving function, which intensifies the regenerative braking effect to essentially allow the driver one pedal operation of the car. When B mode is activated, the car decelerates significantly faster as soon as the driver releases the accelerator pedal. B mode makes driving easier, especially in the city or in slow moving traffic.

On a technical level, its integration is accompanied by a new braking system that offers improved feel through the pedal. As for D mode, it remains particularly useful when the car is moving at a constant speed, on the open road or motorway for example.

The driver can switch on demand between B and D modes with a simple push on the new e-shifter. This replaces the old car’s mechanical lever with an electronic switch.

The new Zoe features a brand-new electrical infrastructure that allows for the integration of all the sensors and automated functions that are essential for driver assistance systems.

A suite of safety systems include Active Emergency Braking System (AEBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Auto High/Low beam headlamps (AHL).

Further driving assistance features include the hands-free Easy Park Assist (EPA), front and rear parking sensors, Auto-Hill hold and an automatic parking brake.

Pricing has not yet been confirmed.