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Renault Kangoo be bop Z.E. does not preview an upcoming production vehicle. However, as a demonstrator vehicle, it has covered some 4,000km in road tests in eight European countries since July 2009. This prototype has enabled the dynamic performance potential of electric vehicles to be showcased to the media, official bodies and fleet operators.

Electric vehicles fit perfectly with the Renault eco² environmental policy which aims to mass market products that make  minimal impact on the environment over their complete lifecycle.

Kangoo Van Z.E. is 4.21 metres in length with a carrying capacity of three cubic metres. Its asymmetric hinged rear doors and sliding side door provide easy access to the cargo area. The batteries are located in a central position beneath the floor, enabling the electric version of Kangoo to boast the same load volume as the internal combustion-engined version.  

The upcoming production version of Kangoo Van Z.E. is aimed at exacting business users looking to minimise running costs and the vehicle has been engineered to guarantee a very high standard of reliability and durability. Its outstanding TCO rating (Total Cost of Ownership) makes it a first class solution for small businesses and fleet operators alike. It will also benefit from Renault's extensive experience of utility vehicle production. Indeed, Renault has chosen to manufacture the electric version of the Kangoo Van utility vehicle at its M.C.A. facilities (Maubeuge Carrosserie Automobile) in northern France. Production is due to begin in the first half of 2011.  

Renault will manufacture this vehicle on the same line as the diesel-engined versions, benefiting from the same expertise, supplier network and logistics as the current Kangoo. The Maubeuge plant has specialized in utility vehicle production for the past 20 years and currently manufactures Kangoo, Kangoo Van and Kangoo be bop. This factory has the capacity to adapt both to the variety of specifications associated with this type of vehicle (short and long versions, with or without windows, etc.) and to demand. The choice of Maubeuge will enable production to get under way quickly, while at the same time guaranteeing a very high standard of quality.

Renault Kangoo be bop Z.E. demonstrator vehicle 

Kangoo be bop Z.E. is derived from the production Kangoo be bop, but is instantly recognisable thanks to its Energy Blue body colour. The Renault logos on the grille and wheels are picked out in satin-finish blue-hued chrome. Inside, satin-finish chrome and metallic fluorescent green details provide a unique ambience which is compounded by specific upholstery including embroidered 'printed circuit' motifs. 

Like the Z.E. Concept concept car which was unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, Kangoo be bop Z.E. is equipped with low-energy LED (light-emitting diodes) front and rear lights with a view to optimizing energy use. Again in a bid to reduce energy consumption, its aerodynamics have been significantly reworked, too. Kangoo be bop Z.E. sits on full disc wheels and its ground clearance has been lowered by 20mm compared with that of the production Kangoo be bop. 

An illuminated gauge on Kangoo be bop Z.E.'s side panels displays how much charge is left in the battery by simply activating the remote central locking control. Inside, another gauge to the left of the instruments provides the driver with a permanent indication of how much battery charge remains.

An all-electric motor  

Kangoo Van Z.E. and Kangoo be bop Z.E. are all-electric zero-emission vehicles regarding their use on the road. They do not generate any CO₂ emissions, smoke or particulates. 

Kangoo Van Z.E. is powered by a 44kW (60hp) electric motor with 90 per cent energy efficiency, a figure far superior to the 25 per cent efficiency of thermal engines which suffer from energy losses. The motor revs to 12,000rpm and instantly delivers peak torque, which is a constant 226Nm. Acceleration and pull-away from low speeds are particularly responsive. The electric motor is very quiet, too. The battery of the production version of the electrically-powered Kangoo Van will be located beneath the boot floor and will not affect its carrying capacity.

Battery charging methods

Kangoo Van Z.E. and Kangoo be bop Z.E. are charged via a socket located behind a flap at the front of the vehicle alongside the right-hand headlamp.

RENAULT KANGOO VAN Z.E. (prototype of production version)

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