Pure-electric travels nearly 1,000 miles in 24 hours

The Renault Zoe is arguably the most highly anticipated of Renault’s four production pure-electric vehicles, thanks to its cute styling and an impressive range of 125 miles, as per the New European Drive Cycle. And now, to underline its distance-driving deftness, Renault has used the Zoe to set a new world record for electric miles driven in 24 hours, according to unofficial reports.

France Mobilité Électrique reports that the Zoe managed 1,600km (994.19 miles) over the 24-hour period, which beats the previous record of 1,250km (776.71 miles). The record was set at the Aubevoye circuit in Normandy, as part of a Renault Z.E. zero-emission vehicle-range event to mark’s the facility’s 30th anniversary.

The 87hp hatchback was fast-charged nine times during the event, adds Automobile Propre. Zoe can be charged at three speeds: ‘standard’ charging using a wallbox at home takes from six to nine hours; ‘accelerated’ charging takes one hour; ‘fast’ charging takes just 30 minutes.

Of course, these records are fun but ultimately bear little relation to real-life driving conditions. The Aubevoye facility includes an oval track and presumably the car was driven at a constant speed (we’re waiting for official details from Renault at the time of publishing), whereas in the real world we stop and start and have hills to deal with. But still, it’s a nice thing for the pint-sized pure EV to have under its belt as we approach the expected UK delivery date of December this year.