|
|
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 Van Z.E. As a result, Renault will have not just one, but two
electric vehicles in the compact van segment by the end of 2011,
enabling business customers to choose the zero-emission vehicle1
that best suits their specific needs. |
|
|
A
versatile two- or five-seat van
Kangoo Van Maxi Z.E. is an extended version of Kangoo Van Z.E. which was
unveiled at last year's Hannover Motor Show. The wheelbase has been
lengthened by 40cm to obtain an overall length of 4.60 metres, and this
modular, versatile van will be available in two- and five-seat 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 Van 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 Van 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 Van
Maxi will also be available for Kangoo Van Maxi Z.E.
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.
Kangoo Van Maxi Z.E. will appeal to
business customers (fleet owners, trades people, public authorities,
etc.) who are looking for maximum carrying capacity, and in the case of
the crew van version, additionally a people carrier and who wish to
lower their fleet CO2 emissions.
Kangoo Van 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 production lines as those which
manufacture the rest of the Kangoo Van range, a pledge of high quality
and quick start-up.
An all-electric vehicle for ‘Z.E.N.’ motoring
The electrically-powered Kangoo Van Maxi Z.E. is recognisable at first
glance thanks to the chrome Z.E. badging at the rear and on the body
sides, as well as the absence of an exhaust2 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 105
miles can vary one way or the other depending on factors such as type of
road, temperature, terrain 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 miles). The Eco-driving mode and the
ability to pre-heat the vehicle while the battery is being charged have
also been developed to maximise the range. 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 drive3 (zero CO2
and particulate emissions), driving Kangoo Van Maxi Z.E. delivers a
whole new type 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 Van 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
Van Maxi Z.E., Renault has succeeded in combining maximum carrying
capacity with zero emissions4 at an affordable price.
Kangoo Van Maxi Z.E. will
go on sale at the end of 2011 in Europe
at a price of £17,990
(excluding VAT) for the two-seat version, or £18,690 for the five-seat
crew van version. At
the time of going to press, light
commercial vehicles are not eligible for the UK’s Plug-In
Car Grant.
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 UK pricing
starting from £59 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.
By the end of 2011, the Kangoo Van
line-up will offer business customers a unique range, enabling them to
choose the solution that matches their needs the closest. The market's
most comprehensive and diversified compact van range features seven
models, a choice of three lengths and three energy types (petrol, diesel
or electric) to ensure that Kangoo Van remains a step ahead of its
rivals.
|
