How much does Anne Hidalgo’s car weigh?

The Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, despite her anti-car stance, does not choose a bicycle in the capital city, but rather a Renault Zoe, which isn’t exactly light.

One controversy after another. Indeed. Parisian residents ultimately couldn’t care less about political battles stirring their city, because their daily struggles are already enough to make them annoyed with yet another idea designed to spoil their lives and distract them from real urgent issues.

The pretty black Renault Zoe zig-zagging, disregarding all traffic laws, siren blaring, crossing white lines, speeding, and with no regard for safety distance—that’s the car of the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo.

One might be tempted to say that for an anti-car activist, it’s quite convenient for quick travel (perhaps not entirely safe at this speed) through the dirty streets of the capital. But when it rains, it’s definitely more practical than cycling. Or taking the metro. Or the bus. Or walking. The disconnect between politicians’ populist speeches and their lifestyle isn’t exactly surprising.

What is the weight of a Renault Zoe?

In early February 2024, a public vote involving 78,121 Parisians—out of 2 million residents—expressed with 54.55% (i.e., 42,615 votes FOR) their desire to create a specific fee for heavy vehicles in Paris. But what does the Mayor of Paris consider a heavy vehicle? It is a “SUV” (a loaded and demagogic term) weighing more than 1600 kg.

This prompts a question: how much does a Renault Zoe weigh? According to its technical specifications, it is about 1502 kg. Not bad for a city car with 110 horsepower and a length of 4087 mm. That’s just 3 millimeters longer than a SUV like the Jeep Avenger (4084 mm), which still weighs less than 1600 kg in its electric version… As for its thermal version, it caps at 1255 kg.

So, were we lied to? Do SUVs weigh less than the “eco-responsible” city car chosen by the Parisian mayor? There’s definitely some confusion between the discourse and the example set from above.

READ ALSO: Transport: Does Anne Hidalgo want to sabotage the 2024 Olympics?