Renault Kangoo Maxi Z.E. 2011 Van Review

Renault has revealed an electric version of its Kangoo Van Maxi. Based on the long wheelbase version of the vehicle, the Kangoo Van Z.E. will go on sale at the end of 2011. This additional model will go on sale alongside the existing ‘standard sized’ Kangoo Van Z.E. which was launched last year.

Full price details will be announced nearer the time but at the moment, Renault is looking at a UK price of £17,990 excluding VAT for the two-seat van, and £18,690 for the five-seat crew van with a battery lease  cost of £59 per month (9,000 miles per year/4 years).

The two-seat version will have a maximum load capacity of 4.6m3 plus a full steel bulkhead as standard (subject to confirmation closer to launch) while the crew van version of Kangoo Van Maxi Z.E seats up to five people with load capacity of 3.4m3.

The two seat version of the Maxi Z.E. will retain its carrying capacity of up to 4.6m3 (which is 1.1m3 more than Kangoo Van Z.E.) and its maximum load length of up to 2.90 metres. The equipment and options that can be ordered for the internal combustion-engined version of Kangoo Van Maxi will also be available for Kangoo Van Maxi Z.E.

The crew van version of Kangoo Van Maxi Z.E. comes with a 60/40-split folding rear benchseat and seats up to five occupants. This modular van can be put into one of four different interior layouts depending on the number of passengers. The rear benchseat folds away into the floor to produce a completely flat deck and free up almost 3.4m3 of carrying space.

Under the bonnet is a 44 kW motor (equivalent to 60 hp) which is powered by a 22 kWh lithium-ion battery located beneath the floor. The vehicle's combined-cycle range of 105 miles will vary depending on factors such as type of road, temperature, terrain or driving style.

To optimise range management, the dashboard has been revised to incorporate a new MMI (Man Machine Interface) which displays the battery's level of charge and the vehicle's remaining range (in miles). The Eco-driving mode and the ability to pre-heat the vehicle while the battery is being charged have also been developed to maximise the range.

Last but not least, to further optimise range and reassure customers, Renault will market a number of connected services, tailored to meet the needs of individual motorists (Connected Pack) or fleet managers (Fleet Asset Management).

Image caption: Plug her in, and fill her up! Electric vans won’t suit everyone, but no-one can doubt they will have an increasing role to play in tomorrow’s transport needs.

Prices current as of March 2011.