Renault Kangoo ZE 2014 review

Renault recently invited motoring writers to attend a drive day at Melbourne's METEC driver training facility in the Eastern suburbs. The object of the day was to familiarise the journalists with two electric vehicles, the Twizy and the Kangoo ZE.

Unlike the Twizy, the Kangoo is a fully-functional electric vehicle that just happens to be a van, rated at a payload of 650kg. That is 150kg less than the 800kg payload of the standard (diesel-engined) Kangoo, largely due to the weight of the rechargeable battery pack that sits under the floor of the load compartment.

But what you lose on the swings – in terms of payload – you gain on the roundabouts. The electric van just might be an improvement on the diesel model in other ways.

For instance, the Kangoo is a pretty refined vehicle and rides very well, by the standards of commercial vehicles. Not having driven the conventional Kangoo it's hard to say, but the ZE version may actually ride better than the diesel. The weight of the battery pack under the floor undoubtedly spreads the weight distribution and presumably helps constrain typical commercial vehicle bounciness in the rear. Over the lumpy bitumen of the METEC track and cresting a 'jump-up' at speed, the electric van always felt composed and compliant.

Yet there was a sense of agility and cornering competence, even without a load on board. The steering was communicative and well weighted. Other than the complete lack of noise, gearbox steps or any of the other hallmarks of an internal-combustion vehicle, the Kangoo ZE drives just like a conventional passenger car.

With just driver and passenger on board, the Kangoo delivered brisk acceleration and was naturally very quiet on the move. In fact, it would reach around-town speed 'sooner' than expected for the driver relying on the driveline noise present in internal-combustion engines to determine road speed.

There was a metal bulkhead insulating the cabin from the cargo area behind, and that almost certainly played a part in the quiet ride up front.

Entering the cabin of the Kangoo was exceptionally easy. Its H point is well chosen for the courier on the run. It requires no stooping or contortion climbing in or out, thanks also to the large doors that are light and open wide. Inside, there's plenty of headroom and the field of vision is very good, albeit without a mirror (since the bulkhead obstructs the view to the rear anyway). The vehicle driven had rear parking sensors and big external mirrors to simplify reverse parking.

It's easy to forget just how long the Kangoo's wheelbase is for a vehicle that resembles a typical small car viewed from the front. The ZE has sliding doors either side and there's enough room for most average-sized adults to lean in from the side with the doors open. Barn doors at the rear open out to reveal a low loading floor, so as a commercial vehicle package the Kangoo ZE is very practical and the kind of vehicle that could be a real asset to any small business.

The ZE's cargo volume is identical to the conventional Kangoo's, despite the smaller payload. That's still a hefty weight for the van to haul around. Renault is yet to receive detailed feedback from Australia Post, which has a couple of examples on trial, but the importer anticipates the postal service should be able to get 80km range out of the Kangoo ZE between recharges – enough for an eight-hour shift at a typical operating weight. That would be in the city and inner urban areas, but in other areas, the Kangoo may need to be recharged during the shift.

Fortunately – and in spite of recent complaints concerning the cost of electricity – the Kangoo ZE is likely to be cheaper to run than its diesel counterpart. That will help offset the expected steeper purchase price. Until the costs associated with building EVs comes down considerably vehicles like the Kangoo ZE will sadly remain out of reach for typical commercial vehicle fleets.

So should you see a Kangoo ZE on the road at some point in the future, you can be assured of its owner's environmental commitment – or there has been some breakthrough in commercialised battery technology in the meantime.

2014 Renault Kangoo pricing and specifications:
Price: N/A
Engine: Synchronous AC electric motor
Output: 44kW/226Nm
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Fuel: N/A
CO2: N/A
Safety Rating: N/A

What we liked:
>> Excellent packaging
>> Simple to operate
>> Doesn't look especially gawky

Not so much:
>> Range limits utility
>> Payload slightly compromised
>> Could be expensive if it ever makes it to market

Also consider: Only a postie bike would be a greener way to deliver parcels

Ratings:
>> Engine/chassis/drivetrain: (13 out of 20)
>> Price/packaging/practicality: (11 out of 20)
>> Safety & Technology: (12 out of 20)
>> Behind the Wheel: (14 out of 20)
>> X-Factor: (13 out of 20)