A new version of the Renault Kangoo electric van – now called Kangoo E-Tech, rather than Kangoo Z.E – is understood to be on track for Australian launch, potentially by the final quarter of 2022.
The Kangoo E-Tech was revealed digitally on November 3 but is presently making its in-the-metal premiere at the Solutrans car show in Lyon, France. It doesn’t actually go on sale in Europe until March-April 2022 (the northern Spring).
The wider Kangoo range has also just been awarded International Van of the Year (IVOTY) 2022 by a jury of 24 European journalists.
The outgoing Kangoo Z.E has for some time been the only electric van on sale here, though the similar-size BYD T3 has since gone on-sale in limited numbers.
Despite the lack of choice, there’s growing interest for zero-emission last-mile delivery vans from courier services and major fleets, meaning Renault Australia’s local importer Ateco has an opportunity to strike.
If all goes to plan, the Kangoo E-Tech’s launch timing should put it hot on the heels of the combustion models (it’s unclear if both petrol and diesel will come here), due in the third quarter of next year at this stage.
The petrol/diesel Kangoo was revealed digitally way back in November 2020, so has taken its time getting here – blame supply constraints.
The new Kangoo E-Tech has a 45kWh capacity battery and a 300km driving range on the WLTP cycle. That’s a big boost on the Kangoo Z.E’s 200km range claim.
Power comes from a 90kW and 245Nm electric motor, and there are various levels of brake-energy recuperation.
The battery can be charged from 15 per cent to 100 per cent in six hours on a 7.4kW AC wall box and just under four hours on an 11kW unit. A 22kW charger is optional.
It can also draw down 80kW on a DC charger, adding 170km of range in a claimed 30 minutes.
Importantly, the E-Tech has no less space than the combustion Kangoo: 3.9 cubic-metres (or 4.9m3 in the imminent longer model), with 600kg of payload (800kg for the LWB) and 1500kg towing capacity.
An app lets you remotely set the cabin cooling or heating, and monitor or time your charging.
Other cool touches include the ‘Open Sesame’ side doors with a 1.45m aperture (pictured), 60 litres of cab storage nooks, and the full suite of active driver-assistance features.
The France-built (Maubeuge) Kangoo spawns two badge-engineered twins, the Mercedes-Benz Citan and the Nissan Townstar – but neither of this pair are expected to come here. There’s nothing confirmed, regardless.
