A side benefit of the surge in demand for electric delivery vans is that it’s also led to a number of hugely practical van-based electric MPVs – a list that now includes the new Renault Kangoo E-Tech Electric.
The new machine is set to launch next year, and will rival the likes of the Citroën e-Berlingo and Nissan Townstar (the replacement for the venerable e-NV200) for anyone seeking out a cost-effective and super-spacious electric vehicle. Although we should get some bad news out of the way: it’s not due to come to the UK.
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While the new Renault Kangoo E-Tech Electric commercial van is now available to order over here, Renault has no plans to bring the passenger version to Britain. But since we do love a good van-based MPV and we're already dreaming about a stay in the Hippie Camper Motel version Renault has previously shown, we thought we’d take a look at it.
As with the commercial van, the new machine is a converted version of the latest version of the combustion-engined Kangoo, and sits on the same platform. Amazingly, the Kangoo has been around since 1997, but this is the first time there’s been an electric version.
The Kangoo E-Tech Electric features a 45kWh battery mounted under the floor of the rear seats and load area. That is the biggest battery that would fit in the space, and doing so has necessitated raising the rear seats and floor a touch – with the benefit that offers a better view for those in the back.
The battery gives the Kangoo a range of 177 miles (the commercial van, which goes without rear seats, can manage up to 186 miles), and it can be charged at speeds of up to 80kW on a DC fast charger.
There is a 90kW and 181lb ft motor, and the powertrain allows for three different regenerative braking modes. But perhaps a more significant stat for MPV buyers is the 850-litre boot size, which can be expanded to 2500 with the sliding second row bench folded.
That’s not the only storage, either: there are 49 litres of storage space in various cubbies up front, and the roof bars can be adjusted in different directions to hold a range of loads.
The interior features a 10in digital infotainment system, and a range of driver assistance systems. All models also feature dual-zone air conditioning and a heat pump.
The Kangoo E-Tech Electric will be shown in public for the first time at the Paris Motor Show next week, before it goes on sale with three different trim levels.
Obviously, UK buyers won’t be able to put an order in – but at least you can get a Renault Kangoo E-Tech Electric commercial van here.
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