Renault has stopped offering the new Zoe electric vehicle (EV) with a battery lease option after the car was awarded class-leading residual values by Cap.

Calculated over three years and 30,000 miles, the zero emissions hatchback is expected to retain 42% of its original purchase price.

The French manufacturer said such strong residuals mean the customer offer is “significantly improved”, therefore the battery lease option is no longer required.

Earlier this month Auto Trader revealed that the Renault Zoe had dominated its fastest selling used car rankings for November, occupying the the two top slots.

Renault is currently offering the car with 0% APR on Renault Selections PCP on the new Zoe, with monthly payments from £269 per month and a deposit of £2,995.

The finance package is available on all new Zoe models over a 24-month term.

In a statement, Renault said: “The offer of only a Full Purchase option simplifies the choice for customers and is in line with the rest of the Renault ZE range and the UK electric vehicle market.

"As more consumers choose electric cars in the UK, residual values of full-electric vehicles have improved considerably, with the Zoe at the forefront of this trend, meaning they are more affordable than ever.”

One of the main reasons that the battery lease option was initially introduced was to lower the initial purchase price of a Renault EV to be as close as possible to that of an equivalent diesel vehicle, in-line with Renault’s aim of ‘Sustainable Mobility For All’. 

The recent improvements to the residual value on the new Zoe in the UK mean that this financial gap has now been reduced and we are able to offer a simplified choice to consumers. 

The all-new Zoe has been refreshed inside and out, while its new 52kWh battery results in a range of 245 miles under latest WLTP testing conditions, with faster 50kW DC rapid charging also now available.

Inside, a thorough redesign welcomes enhanced technology, including the addition of a 10-inch driver instrument display panel and infotainment system with 9.3-inch portrait touchscreen. 

As part of its environmentally-friendly agenda, the new Zoe is available with an upholstery that is entirely made from recycled materials.