The electric Renault Kangoo E-Tech begins as a van with a 44 kWh battery; the sedan version will come later. The first test drives of the panel van were placed on the road. In actuality, everything remains unchanged. Behind the familiar three-spoke steering wheel is analog instrumentation, while the dashboard to the right has an optional 8-inch LCD and a convenient smartphone holder.
In addition, there is a lengthy selection lever on the center console. Only a deeper examination shows distinctions. In place of the rev counter, a spherical instrument indicates whether you are recovering energy or expending a great deal of it. The shift gate on the gearbox lever displays a B setting for adjusting the recuperation. The Renault Kangoo, which is now available for test drives, is electric.
The Renault Kangoo E-Tech Electric, whose transporter type also carries the suffix “Van” or “Rapid” depending on the market, will be introduced initially as a commercial vehicle after the combustion vehicles. The automobile type designed for leisure and regular family life arrives with a short delay.
Eighty percent in less than three hours
The latest Kangoo generation was designed with locally emission-free mobility in mind from the beginning, allowing the battery to be seamlessly incorporated into the whole package. According to the WLTP standard, the available 44 kWh of battery capacity should provide a range of 287 kilometers (up to 350 kilometers in city traffic).
The charging port for the power supply is located in the center of the front bumper, just below the Renault badge. Standardly, the Renault Kangoo E-Tech Electric may be charged using 11 kW of three-phase alternating electricity. A parking period of 2:40 hours should be adequate to charge the battery from 15% to 80% capacity.
It is quicker with the 22 kW charger, which incurs an additional fee. Those who drive the electric Kangoo over longer distances more frequently should opt for it. Because only then is it possible to manage fast chargers for direct-current charging up to 80 kW through the CCS connection.
Suitable for daily usage for 220 kilometers
On our test miles, which were conducted on French country roads and through towns with only a few traffic light stops and less recuperation than in dense city traffic, the onboard computer recorded an average consumption of just over 20 kWh per 100 kilometers. Therefore, a distance of around 220 kilometers should be possible in normal life.
In order to create a somewhat realistic scenario for the transporter, 150 kilograms of ballast were secured to the test vehicle’s cargo area. The “L1” variant with a standard body length (4.49 meters) provides a payload of 526 kilograms. In terms of towing capacity, the Kangoo is superior to the Citron e-Berlingo and the rest of the competition. On the hook, he can support 1500 kilograms. Significantly greater than the competitor’s 750 kilograms.
Lacking B-pillar as a choice
Renault calls the option for greater flexibility “Open Sesame.”
The B-pillar on the passenger side is an optional feature of the Renault Kangoo. The French term for this choice is “Open Sesame.” Together with the flat-folding front passenger seat, this not only doubles the interior’s maximum loading length but also enhances access to the cargo, since the front door opens nearly 90 degrees. Industry-specific installation solutions, such as those for workshop carts, can provide extra options.
The additional weight in the back of the Kangoo served as a measure of suspension comfort. When empty, cars with a large cargo frequently seem taut, but as the weight increases, so does the level of comfort. Additionally, the electric Kangoo is adept at treating root fractures and transverse joints. Only the poorly flat driver’s seat with a small seat pad detracts from the impression of comfort, at least for tall drivers.
Eco mode may be enabled at the press of a button on the center console for greater efficiency. The engine’s maximum power is subsequently lowered to 56 kW (75 hp), and the peak speed falls from 132 to 110 kilometers per hour.
With this option, the Kangoo E-Tech Electric becomes visibly slower, although performance is often adequate, at least when carrying a lighter weight. If more power is necessary, such as while passing, the Eco mode may be disabled by depressing the accelerator pedal.
Box vehicle has a history. The R4 becomes an icon. Can the electric Kangoo one day do this?
The aforementioned energy recovery may be managed in three phases using the gear selector lever. However, the famed single-pedal driving technique, in which the vehicle comes to a complete stop without touching the brake, does not function here. Before the stop sign or traffic light, the driver must switch to the left pedal for the last kilometer per hour.
The electric Renault Kangoo’s price list begins at 33,990 euros (net without VAT, gross 40,448 euros). It is more expensive than the Citron e-Berlingo by 5,000 euros. The Mercedes Citan and T-Class E models, previously known as the EQT, are likely to be more costly than the Renault. Similar to the Nissan Town star, they share significant structural and technological components with the French.
With the shift in the generation, the electric Renault Kangoo received more power and a bigger battery capacity for an increased range. On first test drives, the vehicle’s performance and comfort, as well as its fuel economy, are impressive. The Kangoo has a high towing capability for electric vehicles; it can pull trailers weighing up to 1,500 kilos.
Keyword: Renault Kangoo Combispace 2022, 7-Seater Van Unveiled