Renault has announced starting prices for the new Zoe electric supermini, although prices across the company's range are set to rise within weeks.

At present the entry-level Zoe Expression will be available for £13,650 on the road, which after April 5 and the start of the new financial year will rise to £13,995. Both prices exclude battery rental.

Two higher trim levels called Zen and Intens will be available as well, both initially for the same price of £14,750 before rising to £15,195 in April. These figures are the resulting cost after the government's plug-in vehicle grant is deducted.

The Zoe is the first Renault electric car to be built as one from the first instance, and bears a full complement of EV-specific features like a low-speed audible warning for pedestrians - which can also be switched off - and remote monitoring of the battery charge level and range.

Range should be a real-world 60 miles in cold weather and 90 on milder days, with 130 miles possible in ideal conditions, and experience with the larger, cruder Fluence Z.E. bears this out. The lighter and more aerodynamic Zoe is well equipped to more than cover the daily driving range the majority of urbanites need.

Specially-developed Michelin tyres help to reduce the rolling resistance to as low as possible, minimising one of the key drains on electric vehicle power.

It is equipped with a `Chameleon' charger, which alters the current flowing into the battery according to how much is available at the source. It works all the way up to 43kW AC fast-charge status, which can replenish 80% of the car's batteries in 30 minutes.

Performance far exceeds typical supermini levels thanks to peak torque arriving almost instantly when pulling away from a standstill. The single-speed transmission gives a top speed of 84mph and seamless acceleration.

All models will come with steel wheels as standard, which are lighter than their alloy counterparts and boost efficiency. Alloys are available as optional extras. The Zen and Intens models are differentiated by the former's light, airy interior with Teflon-coated upholstery, and the latter's dark interior ambience and rear parking camera. Sat-nav powered by TomTom is standard on all models.