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New Kangoo & Master E-Tech feature prominently at Renault LCV E-Xtension Days
In 2012 Renault was honoured with the prestigious International Van of the Year Award for its ground breaking Kangoo Z.E. (Zero Emission) Electric light commercial. A milestone moment in the then 20 year history of the award. It could be said that the French auto maker was the first mass producer of emission free vans. This pioneering project proved most fruitful for the brand with more than 75,000 Kangoo Z.E. units sold since then. Renault has undertaken a renewal process of its all-electric LCV range, starting with the new version Kangoo Van E-Tech and the latest Master E-Tech, both offering greater range distance. There is a lot more going on beyond the scenes too, as discovered while attending the Renault LCV E-Xtension days near Paris. A visit to the company’s Technocentre presented a deep dive insight into the future product line direction, before heading to the Chantilly region for the test drive programme.
To Groupe Renault, its van business is very important, emphasised HeinzJurgen Löw, the recently appointed SVP at Renault’s LCV division. With electric powered light commercials taking an ever more significant role, this is helping Renault achieve the volume sales needed to maintain its leading
position in the European marketplace. “Our fundamentals are based on a number of pillars,” stated Heinz-Jurgen. “They include further modernity and innovation, true spirit and purpose, and within them this includes sustainability, customisation, smart solutions and building on customer business relationships. In addition there will be no compromises within our design or quality departments.” ALL-NEW KANGOO E-TECH *Extended 300km range distance *Two wheelbase options For the 2022 Model Year Kangoo E-Tech (formerly known as the Z.E.), the line-up features a totally new body design, increased range distance, quick charging and two wheelbase options. The compact van also comes with improved connectivity to boost on-road operations and aftermarket maintenance support. Philippe Cailette, Product Performance Leader, Renault Kangoo, said during his address that thanks to its new 45kWh lithium-ion battery, the new Kangoo Van E-Tech Electric boasts a range of up to 300km in WLTP cycle. “By placing the battery pack under the floor panel, the van’s cargo capacity remains unaltered, with up to 3.9m3 of storage volume in the L1 version (the L2 LWB model, due later, will have 4.9m3), 600kg of payload (800kg – L2), and 500kg of towing capacity.” “The Kangoo Van E-Tech comes equipped with a 90kW motor that boasts 245Nm of instant torque for a smooth and stress-free driving experience in all conditions. The Eco mode that limits the vehicle’s power output and top speed
helps to improve the overall range and is best used when carrying a light load.” The range of drive mode/braking regime combinations means drivers can choose between six different driving styles for optimal comfort and range according to their specific vehicle use and traffic conditions.
As experienced along the planned test drive route, the driver can choose between three regenerative braking regimes: Cruising (B1): limited regenerative mode, suitable for driving on motorways and fast lanes Drive (B2): default regenerative mode for versatile use that has an ICE motor feel when taking the foot off the accelerator Brake (B3): maximum regenerative mode for operation in congested routes and on hilly terrain. On the Kangoo Van E-Tech Electric, conventional hydraulic braking is assisted by an ARB system (Adaptive Regenerative Brake System), which maximises the amount of recovered energy regardless of the selected braking regime. Information relating to the selected driving mode, electric power management, and ADAS are displayed on an optional fully customisable 10-inch colour digital instrument panel. To guarantee the best range in all seasons, new Kangoo Van E-Tech Electric has regulated air conditioning with a heat pump. This enables heating
