Renault Zoe

This is a great drive. I am really happy with my family and friends for the help choosing.

This car, for me, marks the watershed between costly tree-hugger mascot and viable every-day transport.

First, let's consider the every-day scenarios: Sure there will be journeys that exceed the battery-range and everyone that I meet seems to focus on this. In reality, these more-conventional motorists run around with enough fuel onboard to get to John O'Groats. When in fact they are just driving the local supermarket or taking the daily commute to work. I'm told that's (an average of) just 16 miles.

The ZOE brings electric transport down to a price where the choice between that and the equivalent Clio is based on running costs. To me that choice was a no-brainer. With a home-charger and (in my case) domestic solar panels this is cost-effective every-day transport.

Thanks to the likes of Ecotricity, the core of Britain's motorway network is well served with fast charging points that refill your battery while you empty your bladder and top-up your cafein.

There's no need to creep along like a 1950's milk float just drive normally and keep-up with the traffic and nobody will know the difference.

Everything above is aimed at the nay-sayers and to do the ZOE justice, I really must say it is a joy to drive and, thus far, a joy to own.