Renault Kangoo Z.E. Electric Van Review

The Renault Kangoo Z.E. Van at a glance

First released onto the market in 1997, the Renault Kangoo is a popular family of multipurpose light commercial vehicles that has been one of the most popular ranges for both commercial and casual users.

The fuel-powered versions of the Kangoo are now in their third generation, with numerous variants introduced during the second, such as the Kangoo Be Bop, Express, the Grand Kangoo and the electric version, the Kangoo Z.E.

The Kangoo Z.E. is the model we’ll be focusing on today in this review, with the great honour of being the first full-production electric van. It is an electric panel van first put into production in 2011. While a new generation Kangoo Van E-Tech Electric will soon enter production, the Renault Kangoo Z.E. is still being sold.

It has racked up numerous awards for its performance, such as International Van of the Year in 2012 and GreenFleet’s Electric Vehicle of the Year for two years running.

It holds the distinction of being Europe’s top-selling all-electric light commercial vehicle, and for good reason. This review from the team at Van Sales UK will cover the best features of the Kangoo Z.E., and why you should consider it for you or your business.

Engines and Spec

The Kangoo has the exact same dimensions as the internal combustion model but instead uses an electric motor. The vehicle is powered by a 22 kWh lithium-ion battery that can deliver an impressive maximum torque of 226 Nm and peak power of 44kW. This can give a maximum speed of 81 mph, so is perfect to be driven on all roads and motorways.

In 2017, the van was overhauled to bring in new features, such as a new R60 electric motor, charge, battery and heat pump. These new models have the same horsepower as the previous versions, but help make driving more efficient. The Z.E. stands for zero emissions, so by driving this vehicle you’re helping the environment by not producing any harmful materials into the atmosphere.

The battery can deliver a range of just over 100 miles in older models, while the 2017 update claims up to 170 miles per charge, but this can depend on factors such as driving style, road conditions and temperature.

In terms of performance, you can expect a vibration-free ride and a punchy, instant drive but can seem a bit harsh on occasion, especially on bumpy roads. It can easily move even when full, maintaining high speeds when you need them.

Interior

The Kangoo Z.E. has a simple interior design, giving you access to all the information you need while driving. The instruments are very clear to read but the design could be improved, especially the small controls. The heat pump allows for the cabin to be efficiently heated, meaning your crew can stay comfortable even in the winter months.

You’ll be pleased to know that the cargo space of the Kangoo Z.E. is the exact same as its diesel or petrol counterparts, so switching to electric does not impact the amount of goods you can carry. It has two body lengths but is only a small van, so you can expect a load volume range of between 3.0 to 4.6 cubic metres.

The addition of the electric battery can make the payload rating lower, due to the batteries adding a fair amount of weight. However, this is a problem with electric vehicles in general, not just an issue the Renault Kangoo Z.E. is troubled with.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Variety of models

• Refined design

• Same load volume as standard van

Cons

• Range could be longer

• Does not charge fast

• Performance needs reworking

The Verdict

The Renault Kangoo Z.E. Van is an extremely popular model of van, actually accounting for over 60% of Kangoo models sold, including any fuel-powered models. It has a great capacity for an electric vehicle and the variety of models makes it suitable for most businesses. The range is capable for most small businesses, and you’ll only suffer from limited range if you do a significant amount of driving in a day.

With the UK government’s Plug-in Van Grant, you can get money off the purchase of this electric van, helping you keep the costs down. And with the running costs already quite low, you’re in for quite a significant saving.

If you’re looking for a new Renault Kangoo Z.E. Van, shop with Van Sales UK today. We stock the Kangoo Z.E. in a variety of configurations, so you can get a van that suits you and your business’s requirements. This includes a panel van in two different lengths, perfect for businesses who want more space for cargo.

Our third option is a crew van in the longer length, perfect for carrying plenty of passengers and a high payload. So for a high-quality vehicle in configuration to suit you, shop today with Van Sales UK. We offer free fast delivery nationwide, as well as a great warranty and breakdown cover available.