In recent years we have seen a growing number of complaints from Renault Zoe owners who have experienced charging problems.
Whilst the Renault Zoe is widely regarded as a reliable car and has been a massive hit in recent years being the small and nimble alternative to the larger electric vehicles that had previously dominated the market. Naturally, when a car becomes as popular as the Renault Zoe has, its faults and quirks show very quickly when it is put to the test in real-world conditions by the masses.
In this article, we will discuss some of the most common reasons a Renault Zoe will reject a charge or stop charging and explain how you can fix your Renault Zoe that won’t charge.
Can you charge a Renault Zoe at home?
Sometimes when we face issues relating to the Renault Zoe not charging it is the charger that is at fault or incompatible, rather than the car itself.
When using public chargers you are unfamiliar with, be sure to try another charger type if possible, before investigating the issue further.
Your home charge point is often the most reliable, predictable, and is generally in the most convenient place to be with the car in the event of it rejecting a charge.
Why will my Renault Zoe not charge?
One of the most common reasons a Renault Zoe will not charge is because the computer systems onboard have triggered a fault code or warning message automatically preventing the car from charging.
These warning messages are usually designed to protect the car in the event of a component failure or possibly to alert you of a faulty or incorrect charging device. However, warning messages like these can sometimes be triggered in error & often can be reset using the reset procedure in the ‘How do I reset my Renault Zoe?’ section of this article.
That said, there are many other reasons why your Renault Zoe will not charge. It could be that there is simply a component failure that is disrupting the flow of power into your car, in which case a reset will not resolve the issue.
Some issues that might not trigger a visible warning message can also result in the obvious symptom being that the car simply won’t charge. If you experience something like this it is likely still worth attempting the reset procedure below before conducting further investigations or contacting a technician.
Why did my car stop charging?
In the majority of cases although not all, the car will stop charging due to one of the above-mentioned warning messages. Usually automatically forcing the car to stop charging.
The most common warning messages are the ‘Ongoing Checks’ & ‘BCI’ (Battery Charge Impossible warning), the ‘BCI’ warning is also often called the ‘RNOD’ (Red Nose of Death) on online forums. These warning messages have a habit of sounding more serious than they are. Rest assured, for the most part, they are easily resolved.
Warning messages like these are often triggered in error for a variety of reasons. These reasons can be as simple as a rushed plugin or a disruption during the charging/latching process. eg, knocking the charger.
Additional Causes
Other reasons the Renault Zoe might encounter charging problems could be that the charge plug latch mechanism can sometimes fail in a way that will disrupt charging (more info on the plug latch/locking mechanism here), A failed or unhealthy 12-Volt battery (the conventional small battery we are familiar with from petrol and diesel cars), Issues with the charge filtering circuitry – the circuit system which prepares and distributes the charge once it has entered the car before it reaches the battery & even a bad electrical ground.
Most more in-depth issues would be easily detected via a fault code scanning tool commonly used by motor technicians, luckily the Renault Zoe uses the OBD2 type which is widely used across various makes and models.
How do I reset my Renault Zoe?
Sometimes it is possible to reset your Renault Zoe to clear these warning messages.
You can do this by simply giving the computer systems onboard some time to reset, the Renault Zoe equivalent of turning your computer off & on again. It sounds laughably simple but it really can be a very effective way to clear fault codes & warning messages, especially those that have been triggered in error.
How to reset your Renault Zoe in an error situation.
- Remove the charger if you have one connected.
- Proceed to lock the car, and watch until the internal systems and displays have powered down completely. You can be inside or outside the car. If you decide to be inside, make sure not to interrupt the power down.
- After a few minutes, you should be able to hear a click. At this point, the LED in the lock button on top of the R-Link will turn off.
- After another few minutes, you should be able to hear a second click.
- Once you have heard the second click allow a further two minutes.
- You can now unlock the car and attempt to charge it again. If you are unsure, the car needs to have been locked for a minimum of 6 minutes in total.
This reset should allow the Renault Zoe to have the best chance possible to charge, now that the computers are reset. Assuming there are no further issues with the car.
If your Renault Zoe still isn’t charging after this reset procedure but also isn’t showing any warning messages. Sometimes a simple unlock of the doors can help the computer systems to spring into life and accept the charge. Think of this as a gentle wake-up nudge.
You should then be able to hear the usual latching sounds if this has been successful.
What to do if my Renault Zoe won’t charge after a reset?
If your Renault Zoe is still having problems charging after a reset, you are likely experiencing a component failure. At this point, it could be best to contact the main dealer or your preferred technician.
FAQs
How long does it take to charge a Renault Zoe?
The charging time for a Renault Zoe will depend on the type of charging station used and the capacity of the car’s battery. Using a standard 220-240V domestic socket, it can take up to 25 hours to fully charge the battery.
However, using a 7kW wall box or public charging station can significantly reduce the charging time to around 7-8 hours. Fast chargers with a power output of 22kW or more can charge the battery to 80% in around an hour.
What should I do if my Renault Zoe is not charging quickly enough?
If your Renault Zoe is not charging quickly enough, there are a few things you can try:
- Make sure you are using a compatible charging station with sufficient power output.
- Check that the charging cable is not damaged or faulty.
- Ensure that the car’s charging settings are configured correctly.
If the above steps do not work, you may need to take your car to a Renault service centre for further diagnosis.
Can extreme temperatures affect the charging of a Renault Zoe?
Yes, extreme temperatures can affect the charging of a Renault Zoe. Cold temperatures can cause the battery to take longer to charge and reduce the overall driving range. Conversely, very hot temperatures can cause the battery to degrade faster over time. It’s recommended to charge the car in moderate temperatures for optimal charging performance and battery life.
What is the best way to maintain the battery of a Renault Zoe?
- Charge the car regularly to prevent the battery from fully depleting.
- Avoid exposing the car to extreme temperatures.
- Use a dedicated wall box charger for faster and more efficient charging.
- Use a compatible charging station and ensure the charging cable is not damaged.
- Avoid rapid charging too frequently as it can degrade the battery over time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Renault Zoe is a fantastic electric vehicle with a lot of great features and benefits. While it offers many advantages over traditional gas-powered cars, it’s important to understand some of the potential charging issues that can arise with electric vehicles.
By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this article, you can help to ensure that your Renault Zoe remains in good condition and performs optimally. Regular charging, careful maintenance, and avoiding extreme temperatures can all help to prolong the battery’s life and maintain maximum driving range.
Despite the potential charging issues, the Renault Zoe is still a highly recommended electric vehicle that offers a great driving experience and many eco-friendly benefits. With its sleek design, advanced features, and affordable price point, the Renault Zoe is a great choice for anyone looking to switch to an electric car.
Have you considered an electric car subscription instead of buying?
No? Not to worry – we have summarised in our article: Electric car subscription Vs. Buying
