Renault Kangoo ZE 2011 Review - International

Renault's new all-electric Kangoo promises to satisfy 70 per cent of LCV buyers... But Australia will have to wait a while

Renault Kangoo ZE and Kangoo Maxi ZE: First Drive
Cascais, Portugal

What we liked
>> Agile handling
>> Responsive drivetrain
>> Generous carrying capacity?

Not so much?

>> Vague steering
>> Laden range limitations
>> Rudimentary finish of cargo area ?

Almost a year to the day after its unveiling at the Hanover motor show, the Renault Kangoo ZE (zero emissions) has officially launched in Europe.

The first affordable all-electric van to market, as Renault puts it, was debuted alongside its family-sized Fluence ZE stablemate. Offered in commercial or passenger guise, and in two and five seat variants, the all-electric Kangoo ZE is manufactured in two wheelbase lengths delivering a respective carrying capacity of 2.4 and 4.6 cubic metres. Maximum payload is rated at 650kg.

By contrast, and comparing SWB commercial variants, Kangoo ZE carries 150kg less whilst weighing 133kg more than the turbodiesel-powered model offered locally.

The electric version of the Kangoo is distinguished by its front mounted charging point, ZE decals and badging.

Produced in Maubeuge, France on the same line as its conventionally-powered sibling, Kangoo ZE is powered by a synchronous AC electric motor developing 44kW at 12,000rpm and 226Nm of torque from virtually zero. Power is drawn from a 260kg lithium-ion battery pack availing 22kWh at 398 volts (65Ah).

Kangoo ZE is not offered with the battery swap system of Fluence ZE, instead relying on home or street charging stations for regeneration.

Located beneath the floor, and between the front and rear wheels, the battery pack’s low centre of gravity contributes to a surefooted feel from the front-wheel drive platform, pleasantly uncharacteristic of many same-class petrol or diesel rivals. Suspension and braking arrangements are shared with the van’s conventional powered sibling.

The NEDC average says Kangoo ZE will return an average of 170km from a single charge, which Renault estimates is 70km more than most of its LCV customers travel in a standard business day.

Energy recovery systems and an ECO driving mode should improve the range of those prepared to be diligent, though we can’t help but wonder just how range will suffer when the vehicle is fully laden. Driven without payload, however, we have no trouble believing the claim.

Safety equipment includes three airbags (dual front and driver-side airbag) and anti-lock brakes with emergency brake assist.

At this point in time, Renault Australia is “almost certain” SWB commercial variants of the Kangoo ZE will be offered for sale locally, though timing is uncertain. The company says it won’t have a firm timeframe for local introduction until the "business case" is finalised.

Pricing of the regular Kangoo starts locally from $25,990 with the electric version likely to demand a premium. In France, Kangoo ZE is priced between 20,000 and 22,000 Euro – this compares to continental pricing between 12,000 and 15,000 Euro for conventionally-powered short wheelbase versions.

Renault says service and maintenance costs for the EV are 20 per cent cheaper than conventionally-powered siblings.

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Written byMatt Brogan

Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalists

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