The record was set at the Aubevove speed ring in Normandy, France, with a team of 15 drivers taking it in turns to drive a pair of ZOEs simultaneously. Both cars beat the previous record, with the second covering 935 miles in the same 24-hour period.

Renault said the ZOE’s record-setting could be attributed to its long range, at 130 miles on the NEDC test, and unique Chameleon charging technology, which allows the car to be 80% charged in under 30 minutes. The ZOE was recharged 18 times during the 24-hour trial, travelling an averaging between 55 and 60miles in each session, but without a fully charged battery.

Philippe Vinot, reliability/durability coordinator, commented: ‘We completed this operation in two months. In April, we started calculations to check feasibility with the Group electric powertrain department. In early May, we started track runs and established a strategy. We decided to keep the production car without any changes. We were confident and we were right.’

Roughly the same size as a Clio, the ZOE goes on sale later this year priced from £13,650 and with battery leasing from £70 per month.