Renault’s latest member of its EV family is the Renault Kangoo Maxi ZE, which will go on sale in autumn 2011.
The Renault Kangoo Maxi Z.E., which is an extended version of Kangoo Express Z.E., will come in two- and five-seater configurations, and priced from €21,200 before tax, and at €16,200 in France after a €5,000 state subsidy.
The wheelbase of the Kangoo Maxi Z.E. has been lengthened by almost 40cm to obtain an overall length of 4.60 meters.
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 optimizes Kangoo Maxi Z.E.’s carrying capacity and is unprecedented in the small electric van segment, resulting in a carrying capacity of up to 4.6m3 (which is 1.1m3 more than Kangoo ZE) and maximum load length of up to 2.90 meters.[wzslider height=”400″ lightbox=”true”]Its height of just 1.82 meters permits access to underground car parks. The equipment and options that can be ordered for the internal combustion-engined version of Kanga Van Maxi will also be available for Kangoo Maxi Z.E.
The crew van version of Renault 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.
The electrically-powered Kangoo Maxi Z.E. is recognizable 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 exhaust 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 170 km (105 miles) can vary one way or the other depending on factors such as type of road, temperature, terrain or driving style.
To optimize 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 maximize the range. Last but not least, to further optimize 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 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 Maxi Z.E. combines unprecedented performance and comfort.
Kangoo 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 Maxi Z.E. carries over the same overall interior and exterior styling as the internal combustion-engined version. A choice of nine standard body colors 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.
Renault Kangoo Maxi Z.E. will be officially unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show next week.
