FIRST DRIVES

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

in winter and cooling in summer by operating on the principle of reversible air conditioning.

Lastly, the All-New Kangoo Van E-TECH Electric features heated windscreen, front seats, and steering wheel as optional extras.

To recharge the battery, new Kangoo Van E-TECH offers a choice of three charger types: n As standard, two types of on-board chargers are offered: A three-phase 11 kW charger is suitable for all types of domestic charging, while a 22 kW three-phase charger offers accelerated charging at public terminals. n As an option to the 22 kW charger, an 80 kW DC fast charger can be fitted that provides up to 170 km of additional range in just 30 minutes.

The battery packs take 2hours and 40 minutes to go from 15% to 80% charge when plugged into an 11kW Wallbox and less than 6 hours on a 7.4kW Wallbox. The batteries are guaranteed for 8 years or 160,000 km. During this lifetime, they are replaced free of charge if their capacity degrades to less than 70% of their nominal value.

RENAULT MASTER E-TECH

*52 kWh *Extended range to 200km *15 versions 36 years after the first all-electric Master prototype was developed, Renault has progressed to a second generation, full production variant. Called Master E-Tech Electric, it has received a brand new 52 kWh battery which increases its coverage with a WLTP range of up to 200km – up from the 120 km range available from the 33 kWh battery used previously.

Just like the Kangoo E-Tech, conventional hydraulic braking is assisted by an ARB (Adaptive Regenerative Brake) system, which maximises the amount of recovered energy. Likewise, the Master’s Eco mode, which limits the power and speed, ensures maximum range and maximum driving comfort when paired with standard fitment low resistance tyres. There are two battery charging options - a single-phase 7.4 kW AC charger, suitable for all types of domestic charging, and a 22 kW DC charger for accelerated charging at public charging stations which will recover 50 km of range (WLTP cycle) in 45 minutes. All-new Master E-Tech 52 kWh takes 5 hours to reach 80% charge when plugged into a 7.4 kW Wallbox, and 10 hours on a 3.7kW domestic. It features an energy efficient electric motor with a power of 57 kW (76 hp equivalent).

The Master E-Tech is now available in 15 versions (instead of the original 6), with a choice of three different lengths and three different heights, and with load versions of 3.1 and 3.5 tonne GVW. A 3.8t model will follow. The four van versions offer a cargo volume of 8 to 15m3.

The full-electric version boasts the same cargo space as its ICE counterpart with one of the largest storage volumes in its category.

Equipped with Lane Departure Warning, Rear Parking Assistance, and Reversing Camera, the new 52 kWh Master Van E-Tech Electric has the latest in ADAS equipment, including Front Park Assist, Rear Park Assist and Rear Camera. Then there is Side Wind Assist (standard) that activates above 70km/h and Active Emergency Braking System (AEBS), active on city roads and highways.

MOBILIZE

Thierry Plantegenest, Global VP Sales & Marketing LCV & Pick-up introduced Mobilize, the Renault Group brand dedicated to new forms of mobility. When fully active it will offer a wide range of vehicle-related services thanks to an integrated technological platform. These include financing, insurance, payments, energy, maintenance and reconditioning.

For last-mile delivery operators and professionals, Mobilize services will also be offered around Kangoo E-Tech Electric and Master E-Tech Electric, with particular emphasis on charging and optimising fleet management. On the energy aspect, Thierry said that

the installation of charging stations by Mobilize Power Solutions, will ensure access to a network of 260,000 charging stations across Europe, including 1,600 Ionity fast charging stations, with Mobilize Charge Pass/Mobilize Business Pass, smart charging with Mobilize Smart Charge, and the Battery Certificate for the resale of vehicles.

Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie

SPEC CHECKS RENAULT E-TECH VANS MODEL YEAR 2022 (Driven)

Make/Model: Kangoo Van E-Tech Extra EV45 DC80 kW // Master E-Tech CF F3500 L2 H2 Electric Motor/Power: 90kW/120hp // 57 kW/76hp Torque: 245Nm // 225Nm Battery: 45 kWh // 52 kWh Autonomy: 290 km (WLTP) // 204 km (WLTP) Performance: Top Speed – 135 kp/h // 80 kp/h : 0-100 kp/h = 11.6 sec // N/A Length: 4,486 mm // 5.557 mm Width: 1,860 mm // 2,499 mm Height: 1,838 mm // 2,070 mm Load Volume: 3.9 m3 // 10.8 m3 Wheelbase: 2,726 mm // 3,862 mm Charging: DC – 80 kW // 22 kW : AC – 22 kW // 7 kW Battery Life: 8 years/160,000km

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