Onto, an electric car subscription service, has ordered a further 1,050 Renault Zoe E-Tech electric vehicles (EVs) to join its growing zero-emissions fleet in the UK. Now accounting for over a quarter of the business’s fleet, it highlights the suitability of the Renault Zoe E-Tech as a great introduction to electric vehicles.
Since its launch in 2017, Onto has been championing battery electric vehicle (BEV) adoption by offering drivers a flexible alternative to full ownership of an electric car.
An increase in enquiries and subscriptions, plus a greater awareness of electric cars and their myriad benefits, has seen it grow to have the largest pure electric fleet in the UK with over 4,000 cars as of September 2021. Such is the rise in demand that Onto is typically doubling its fleet size every six months.
One of the top three most popular vehicles with Onto’s subscribers is the all-electric Zoe E-Tech. This model has been instrumental in the company’s rapid scale-up. This latest order takes the number of Zoe E-Tech on its fleet to over 2,000. Onto focuses on always having the latest and best electric cars and so several of its latest Zoe E-Tech replace earlier versions.
Onto’s new order consists of Zoe E-Tech Iconic and Zoe E-Tech GT Line, with both variants specified with rapid charge capability. This allows 90 miles (145km) of charge to be restored in just 30 minutes.
While Onto reports that electric vehicle early adopters are usually located in bigger cities, it has also found that its Zoe E-Tech customers are spread across the UK. The car’s range of up to 245 miles (394km) ensures it’s suited for use in more remote areas as well as urban environments.
The flexible charging options and great range of the Zoe E-Tech are key benefits to subscribers and support Onto’s ethos of offering drivers a hassle-free electric car experience.
Onto’s subscriptions require no deposit and in return for a monthly payment encompasses the cost of the car, insurance, breakdown cover and maintenance. It even includes the electricity to charge it via RFID cards that provide free access to the BP pulse, Shell Recharge and Instavolt charging networks with over 12,000 stations in the UK.
This is a great way for drivers to experience an electric car without a huge outlay or commitment. We’re sure once people try them they won’t go back because electric cars are practical, reliable, cheap to run and easy to drive. Plus, most importantly, they are zero emissions. Customers can have a Zoe E-Tech for as little as £389 a month.
Influencing Onto’s decision to invest further in the Zoe E-Tech is its attractiveness to younger drivers and those that are embarking on their first taste of all-electric driving. Millennials are the largest age group of subscribers that have a Zoe E-Tech, with customers typically aged between 25-40 years old.
Rob Jolly, Onto CEO, said: “The Zoe has proved to be one of the most popular choices for Onto subscribers and we’ve had some very positive feedback on it. Customers say it’s a great all-rounder and praise its value for money, driving experience and brilliant range.
“The Zoe E-Tech will continue to play an important role in our product offering as we grow the business, and we hope to continue our partnership with Renault in 2022 and beyond. As we look to the future, we will be considering other Renault E-Tech models, too.”
Vincent Tourette, Renault UK managing director, said: “With it (Zoe E-Tech) being one of Onto’s most popular cars, it’s destined to introduce thousands more drivers to the many benefits of an electric vehicle at an attractive cost, supporting our own strategy to provide customers with affordable and sustainable mobility that offers a fantastic driving experience.”