Probably the electric vehicle with the most marketplace impact at next week’s Geneva Show will be the Renault Kangoo Van Maxi Z.E..
A viable commercial electric vehicle with orders being taken now and Kangoo Van will be available before year’s end in short and long (an extra 40 cm) wheelbase in two seat or a clever five seat crew van version offering four different interior layouts and a rear bench seat that folds into the floor for a completely flat deck.
The 22kWh lithium-ion battery is located beneath the floor, is leased by the van owner at GBP59 per month regardless of whether you buy or lease the electric vehicle, and drives a 44kW (60hp) electric motor for a range of 105 miles. The Eco-driving mode and the ability to pre-heat the electric vehicle while the battery is being charged have also been developed to maximise the range.
A lot of emphasis has been placed on the Man Machine Interface and there’s a range of connected services for the public and a connected Fleet Asset Management suite for fleet managers.
Every option available for the established and vast Kangoo Van petrol model range is available in the electric vehicle version too.
By the end of 2011, the Kangoo Van line-up will offer business customers a unique range, seven models, a choice of three lengths and three energy types (petrol, diesel or electric vehicle) to ensure that Kangoo Van remains a step ahead of its rivals.
