Test drive Renault Kangoo Van E-Tech: A 2nd generation of electric Kangoo much more versatile

Launched a little over a year ago, the renault Kangoo Van is now available in an electric version. Its range of 290 km places it among the best today in terms of green van.

https://vidtube.top/2022-mazda-mx-5/

Renault Kangoo Van E-Tech

Aesthetically, apart from one or another detail at the grille level – including the logo that hides the charging hatch – you will hardly see the difference between this electric Kangoo and its petrol and diesel counterparts.

On board

And this is also true for the practical aspects. Only offered as a utility for the moment, the Kangoo E-Tech retains the same load and carrying capacities as the others. It is therefore possible to embark 3.9 m³ and 600 kilos in the cargo space, accessible among other things via the side door “Sesame open by Renault” which removes the central pillar. An extended version bringing these values to 4.9m³ and 800 kg will inflate the offer quickly. And the towing capacity is also preserved, at 1,500 kilos.

Increased battery life and fast charging

If the previous electric Kangoo launched in 2011, then called Z.E., was content with a 33 kWh battery, this new Van e-tech goes to the next level thanks to its 45 kWh battery. Enough to bring the theoretical range to 300 km, and thus beat the pawn to its competitors of the Stellantis group (Citroën e-Berlingo, Peugeot e-Rifter, Opel Combo-e …), who announce about twenty kilometers less on the WLTP cycle. Compared to the latter, the Kangoo is however a little less powerful since its new engine delivers 90 kW (122 hp) and 245 Nm of torque, against 100 kW (136 hp) and 260 Nm to its competitors.

Also new in terms of chargers, now available in 2 versions on this Van E-Tech: 11 kW and 22 kW in alternating current. As an option, an 80 kW DC fast charger can recover 170 km of range in half an hour. It should also be noted that this generation of electric Kangoo is equipped with a heat pump, which makes it possible to recover heat from the outside air to heat as much as cool the cabin without too much “pumping” on the battery. It is associated with the 22 kW charger.

On the road

During our test, we were particularly impressed by the comfort behind the wheel and the flexibility of the engine. The car accelerates well and fast. We are always comfortable in traffic. Two driving modes are available: Standard and Eco. In Eco, the power is then reduced to 52 kW (70 hp) and the speed limited to 110 km/h, against 135 km/h in the Standard mode. In addition, there are three levels of regeneration (energy recovery).

In the most powerful mode, you can almost drive with a single pedal, simply accelerating and decelerating according to the pressure on the accelerator pedal, without having to use the brake pedal, which is very nice. We will also emphasize the very stable character of the vehicle thanks to its 300 kg of batteries installed in the floor for a very low center of gravity.

Budget and conclusion

The Kangoo E-Tech should therefore attract a growing number of professionals, especially since this walking comfort is added to this comfort of walking and a level of equipment of the most provided, both in terms of infotainment (with Apple and Android connectivity) and driving aids. But its price remains high: from 33.600 € HTVA.

2022 Renault Koleos