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Renault looks to extend emission-free van line-up with E-Tech and H2 Getting an insight to a new model line within an automotive brand is invaluable. Having the opportunity to discover the design process, the innovation and technology created for the new vehicle is appreciated. Especially if it’s a light commercial vehicle. Built to purpose. A recent visit to Renault Group’s Light Commercial Centres near Paris, where the Renault Kangoo range is developed and produced, demonstrated that the future is green for the French marque.
Green is indeed the colour and philosophy at Renault Vans, with its latest development being the reveal of the all-new Kangoo E-Tech (the next generation electric van, formerly known as the Kangoo Z.E.). In addition, hydrogen fuel cell technology is being worked on as a range distance extender for Renault’s van line. Before the visit to the Maubeuge factory, where the new Kangoo is manufactured (alongside the new Mercedes-Benz Citan and new Nissan Townstar), and prior to test driving the Kangoo E-Tech near Aubevoye, Mark Sutcliffe, SVP, LCV Business Unit at Renault outlined the company’s current and future strategies. He stated that there were three main pillars involved - Enhancement and Renewal of its LCV line up, New Electrified Solutions and Services and Tailor-made Solutions. Three new models are about FLEETTRANSPORT | DEC-JAN 2022
to enter the marketplace, sporting Renault badging. For left hand drive countries only, a new compact van called the Express, which is basically a small Kangoo, is set for introduction, to be followed by the next series of the Kangoo and E-Tech versions. All new Kangoo E-Tech with its 44kWh battery, 75kW electric motor and 245Nm of torque can run up to 265 km between changes. Quick charging is provided also. Also to come is the refreshed Trafic to bring the whole LCV family within the brand’s latest corporate identity. Further advancements with its emission-free small and large vans have been achieved on the Kangoo and Master E-Tech, (with an electric Trafic to follow). More power and longer range distance have been achieved to meet customer requirements. But that’s not all! A new collaborative project, called Hyvia, has been established between the Renault Group and hydrogen/fuel cell solutions provider Plug-Power, “with the intention to contribute towards decarbonisation of mobility in Europe, with turnkey solutions,” as explained by Mark. “The joint venture will develop and market light commercial vehicles with fuel cell technology, hydrogen charging stations, supply of carbon-free hydrogen, plus the maintenance and management of fleets,” he added. Hyvia activities will be carried out at existing Renault factories in France. The first of the H2 Fuel Cell Vehicles to be brought to market will be based on the Renault Master van and platform, offering a 500km range with rapid recharging. The third element is to enhance the Renault Pro+ initiative, with a more simplified accreditation process for the Renault LCV dealer network. Within that framework is an expansion of the Renault Tech provision, which accommodates van conversions and fit-outs
ex-factory, through the dealer or fleet management company. Philippe Caillette, Product Performance Leader, Small Vans, highlighted the merits of the new Express and Kangoo van: “Kangoo has been a success story since 1998 with over 4.3 million units sold,” he said, before going on to and enthusiastically describe the two rather special innovations developed especially for the Kangoo. “Open Sesame, is the widest door aperture in the small van market, [made possible] by removing the central B pillar.” Alas for Irish customers, this system is only available in left hand drive models currently.
Then there’s the Easy Inside Rack, a high mounted foldable ladder style rack for the easy transport and storage of long objects. Significant too, is the speciation of twelve high-tech driver assistance systems including a digital rear view mirror. With six million vehicles produced since its foundation in 1971, the Maubeuge plant where the Kangoo is manufactured has benefited from a €450m investment to transform its processes and output to the highest levels. It includes new panel pressing machinery, robots and an extended paint shop and quality control lines. Remarkably, a newly made van rolls off the production line every minute. Text: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie
