Renault set to launch EV van duo

RENAULT is set to launch its Kangoo and Master E-Tech Electric vans in Australia shortly. The French marque claims that the renewed all-electric LCV range offers “even more flexibility and freedom without compromise”.

Arriving 36 years after the first all-electric Master prototype and 10 years after the first public sale of the Kangoo ZE – of which more than 70,000 units have been sold across the globe – Renault’s EV van duo combines the latest EV driveline technology with the load-hauling ability and creature comforts expected in a modern commercial vehicle.

Kangoo Van E-Tech Electric variants have cargo capacities of between 3.9 and 4.9 cubic metres, with payloads ranging from 600 to 800kg. The braked tow rating is 500kg.

Built in Maubeuge, France, alongside vehicles from partner brands Mercedes-Benz and Nissan, Renault’s small-segment van features a 90kW/245Nm electric motor powered by a 45kWh lithium-ion battery fitted beneath the cargo-area floor. 

The French marque says the liquid-cooled battery pack consists of eight independent and easily replaceable modules and offers a driving range of up to 300km (WLTP).

Renault guarantees the batteries for eight years or 160,000km (whichever comes first) and says it will replace the unit free of charge during this period/kilometre limit if the battery capacity degrades to less that 70 per cent of its nominal charging value.

Like most electric vehicles, the Kangoo Van E-Tech Electric is offered with multiple driving and regenerative braking modes, as well as standard (22kW) and fast (80kW) charging options; the latter is said to provide as much as 170km driving range in just 30 minutes.

In the Master Van E-Tech Electric, we find a 57kW/225Nm electric motor fed by a 52kWh battery pack. The power unit is said to facilitate a top speed of 100km/h and provide a WLTP range of up to 200km. Recharging of up to 80 per cent is possible in five hours – when plugged into a 7.4kW wall box, or 10 hours – via a 3.7kW domestic outlet.

Offered in up to 15 variants – with three body lengths and three heights – the battery-electric Master will offer payload capacities between 3100 and 3800kg with cargo volumes ranging from eight to 20 cubic metres.

Produced in Batilly, France, the large-segment electric van is equipped with an extensive list of ADAS technologies, including lane-departure warning, front and rear parking assistance, a reversing camera, cross-wind assist, automatic lights and wipers, and active emergency braking.

Locally, the four-variant Kangoo light commercial van range is priced from $26,290 (plus on-road costs), with the current Kangoo ZE electric van retailing for $50,290 (+ ORCs). 

The seven-variant Master large commercial van range, meanwhile, is priced between $47,090 and $68,850 (+ ORCs).

Renault’s Australian distributor Ateco Automotive says the final line-up, specs, pricing and launch dates for the Kangoo E-Tech and Master E-Tech will be confirmed soon.