Renault has launched two new ‘ZE’ (zero emissions) electric vans at the Brussels Motor Show today. The Master ZE is the first electric version of the company’s large delivery van and the Kangoo ZE is an updated version of the previous model.
Unlike the Kangoo ZE, which is only available in one size, the Master ZE will be offered in three different lengths and two heights.
All versions will be powered by a 44kW electric motor hooked up to a 33kWh battery. Depending on specification, this gives an official NEDC range of 124 miles. Renault claims that a full charge from a 7kW wall box will take only six hours, although it will be considerably longer from a regular socket.
The Master ZE will be targeted at large last-mile distribution companies and municipal fleet customers, building upon the success of the smaller Kangoo ZE.
The updated Kangoo ZE was announced last month and shown for the first time at the Brussels Motor Show today. The changes to Europe’s best-selling electric LCV are substantial but almost entirely invisible.
With a new 44kW motor and 33kWh battery, it claims a 168-mile range on the official NEDC test. Renault claims that this will translate to about 124 miles in the real world. Either way, it’s more than a 50% improvement on the Kangoo’s previous figures.
As well as its new motor and battery, the Kangoo ZE is the first electric LCV to be fitted with a heat pump to improve occupant comfort in cold weather. A full charge from a 7kW wall box is expected to take six hours; considerably longer if you don’t have access to rapid charging facilities and are relying on a normal wall socket.
In addition to the hardware on offer, Renault is promising to assist businesses in managing their electric vans with the My ZE Connect Pro app.
The Kangoo ZE will go on sale in the middle of 2017, with the Master ZE set to arrive at the end of the year. UK pricing and specification will be announced at a later date.
