The versatile new van will be available in two- and five-seater form.
– The two-seater version will have a maximum carrying capacity of 4.6m3.
– The crew van version of Kangoo Maxi Z.E seats up to five people.
Renault launched its electric vehicle offensive in 2008 with the announcement of its comprehensive, upcoming line-up of four vehicles. The first of these is due to go on sale this autumn, and the brand is today pleased to announce that the original list will now be extended thanks to the availability of a new version of Kangoo Z.E. This means Renault will have not just one, but two electric vehicles in the small van segment by the end of 2011, enabling business customers to choose the zero-emission vehicle that best matches their specific needs.
A versatile two- or five-seater van
Kangoo Maxi Z.E. is an extended version of Kangoo Z.E. which was unveiled at last year’s Hanover Motor Show, in Germany. 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. This configuration optimises Kangoo Maxi Z.E.’s carrying capacity and is unprecedented in the small electric van segment:
– A carrying capacity of up to 4.6m3 (which is 1.1m3 more than Kangoo Z.E.).
– Maximum load length of up to 2.90 metres.
– Its height of just 1.82 metres permits access to underground car parks.
– The equipment and options that can be ordered for the internal combustion-engined version of Kangoo Maxi will also be available for Kangoo Maxi Z.E.
The crew van version of Kangoo 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.
Kangoo Maxi Z.E. will appeal to business customers (fleet owners, tradespersons, public authorities, etc.) who care about the environment and who are looking for maximum carrying capacity or a people carrier.
Kangoo Maxi Z.E. carries over the same overall interior and exterior styling as the internal combustion-engined version. A choice of nine standard body colours will be available, while customers will also be able to specify the livery of their own company. The model will be built at Renault’s MCA plant (Maubeuge Carrosserie Automobile) in France, on the same lines as those which manufacture the rest of the Kangoo range, a pledge of high quality and quick start-up.
An all-electric vehicle for ‘Z.E.N’ motoring
The electrically-powered Kangoo Maxi Z.E. is recognisable at first glance thanks to chrome Z.E. badging at the rear and on the body sides, as well as the lack of an exhaust and the inclusion of a flap at the front which will enable the battery to be charged in between six and eight hours.
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.
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 kilometres). Eco-driving systems and the ability to pre-heat the vehicle while the battery is being charged have also been developed. 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).
In addition to the satisfaction of contributing to the zero-emission mobility drive (zero CO2 and particulate emissions), driving Kangoo Maxi Z.E. delivers a whole new form of motoring pleasure. Thanks to the availability of peak torque (226Nm) the moment the driver pulls away, plus responsive acceleration at low speeds, a silent ride and the absence of gearshifts, Kangoo Maxi Z.E. combines unprecedented performance and comfort.
Maxi carrying ability – mini prices
Renault has always said that the success of electric vehicles will depend on the availability of truly affordable vehicles. To attract customers, ecology and real economies must go hand in hand. With Kangoo Maxi Z.E., Renault has succeeded in combining maximum carrying capacity with zero emissions* and a small price tag.
Kangoo Maxi Z.E. will go on sale in autumn 2011 in Europe at a pre-tax price of €21,200 for the two-seater version, or €22,000 for the five-seater crew van version. The €5,000 subsidy available in certain countries such as France will bring this price down to the equivalent of that of a diesel Kangoo Maxi, i.e. €16,200 and €17,000 respectively.
As is the case for the rest of its electric vehicle range, Renault separates ownership of the vehicle and battery to ensure optimal capacity of the latter throughout the vehicle’s working life. Customers will either buy or lease their vans and take out a monthly subscription for the battery, with pre-tax prices starting from €72/month**.
Meanwhile, 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.
By the end of 2011, the Kangoo line-up will offer business customers a unique range of vans, enabling them to choose the solution that matches their needs the most closely. The market’s most comprehensive and diversified small van range features seven models, a choice of three lengths and three energy types (petrol, diesel or electric) to ensure that Renault Kangoo remains a step ahead of its rivals. This range will contribute to consolidate Renault’s LCV leadership in Europe.
