Renault Kangoo Z.E. and Renault Kangoo Maxi Z.E. are light commercial vehicles aimed at business users. Both will go on sale in October 2011. These electric versions of Kangoo and Kangoo Maxi feature the same practical functions as the internal combustion-engined version, i.e. the same carrying capacity, payload and high standard of comfort.

Note that Kangoo Z.E. has been voted International Van of the Year 2012 by a jury of 22 European journalists specialized in light commercial vehicles. It is the first time that an electric vehicle has won this prize, competing against numerous internal-combustion vans.

The length of Renault Kangoo Z.E. stands at 4.21 metres, while carrying capacity ranges from 3 to 3.5m3. The battery is located in a central position beneath the floor, enabling the electric version of Kangoo to boast the same carrying capacity as the internal combustion-engined version.

The flap situated at the front of the vehicle, near the right-hand headlamp, is badged "Z.E.", another sign that this vehicle is powered by electricity.  Energy-efficiency is further enhanced by the fitment of low rolling resistance tyres.

Renault Kangoo Z.E. is powered by a 44kW electric motor which boasts energy efficiency of 90 per cent, a figure that is far superior to the 25 per cent associated with internal combustion engines which suffer from energy losses. 

This motor revs to 10,500rpm and instantly delivers peak torque, which is a constant 226Nm. Acceleration from low speed is particularly responsive. The electric motor is very quiet, too. The 22kWh battery is located beneath the boot floor and does not affect Kangoo Z.E.'s load capacity.

Kangoo Maxi Z.E., the extended version of Kangoo Z.E., is poised to join Renault's range of electric vehicles. It was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show.

The wheelbase has been lengthened by almost 40cm to obtain an overall length of 4.60 metres, and this modular, versatile van will be available in two- and five-seater form.

The first of these two versions essentially targets transport use. Its two front seats are separated from the cargo carrying area by an optional bulkhead. Kangoo Maxi Z.E.offers a carrying capacity of up to 4.6m3 (which is 1.1m3 more than Kangoo Z.E.), a load length of up to 2.90 metres and a height of only 1.82 metres, allowing access to underground car parks.

The crew van version of Kangoo Maxi Z.E. 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.

The bonnet conceals a 44kW motor (equivalent to 60hp) which is powered by a 22kWh lithium-ion battery located beneath the floor. The vehicle's combined-cycle range of 170km can vary one way or the other depending on factors such as type of road, temperature, speed or driving style.

Range management is a key factor when it comes to electric vehicles, and Renault has taken significant steps to make this aspect as straightforward and efficient as possible. A specific dashboard display has been developed to ensure that the driver is kept informed about remaining battery charge and operational range:

• a gauge alongside the speedometer indicates how much battery charge remains,
• an 'econo'-meter provides the driver with an indication of energy consumption based on a system that employs three colours: light blue depicts normal use, dark blue reveals optimal energy use, while red informs drivers when they are using excessive energy in a way that will have an adverse effect on the vehicle's operational range,
• the speedometer needle moves across a turquoise arc,
• the trip computer's functions are adapted to the needs of electric vehicles. It displays remaining range and remaining battery energy (kWh), as well as real-time and average energy consumption.

Renault Kangoo Z.E.'s price starts at €15,000 excluding VAT (environmental subsidy deducted).

Renault Kangoo Maxi Z.E. will go on sale in Europe at the price (with no tax incentives deducted) of €16,200 (before VAT) for the two-seater version, or €17,000 (before VAT) for the five-seater crew van version.

A single equipment level is available on both models.

Renault has developed several innovative purchasing concepts for its electric vehicle. Ownership of the vehicle will be separate to that of the battery. Customers will be able to purchase or lease their Z.E. van and take out a subscription for the battery costing from €72 before VAT per month (assistance included, at a level of 10,000 km / year, for 36 months).

Running costs – including battery lease, the electricity required for battery charging (average for a full charge: €1.5) and maintenance– will be similar to those of an equivalent internal combustion-engined vehicle when the annual distance travelled is less than 15,000km. They will be competitive when the annual distance travelled exceeds this figure.