Electric Kangoo van Maxi Z.E. announced by Renault

The Kangoo Van Maxi Z.E., the long wheelbase version of Kangoo Van Z.E., will join Renault’s range of electric vehicles when it goes on sale at the end of 2011 in the UK.

Two versions of the van will be made available – a two-seat version, and a five-seat crew van version. This latest electric model means that Renault will be launching a possible SIX electric vehicles in the next 12 months, including two in the compact van segment, giving the French manufacturer an enviable zero emission line-up stretching across multiple segments.

40cm longer than the Kangoo Van Z.E. the total length of the Maxi is 4.6 metres, which means that its carrying capacity is 1.1m3 more than its smaller sibling at 4.6m3.

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.

Geared up for businesses looking to reduce their fleet’s CO2 emissions, the Kangoo Van Maxi Z.E. is built on the same production line as the standard model, but under the bonnet is housed a 44kW motor (equivalent to 60hp) and is powered by a 22kWh lithium-ion battery. The vehicle’s range is around 105 miles depending on location conditions.

Customers will either buy or lease their vans and take out a monthly subscription for the battery separately, with UK pricing starting from £59 per month excluding VAT, based on 9,000 miles and 48 month commitment.

Meanwhile, running costs – including battery lease, the electricity required for battery charging (£2.50 average for a full charge) and maintenance – will be similar to those of an equivalent internal combustion-engined vehicle when the annual distance travelled is less than 9,375 miles. They will be competitive when the annual distance travelled exceeds this figure.

www.renault-ze.com