There’s been plenty of talk about Renault’s four new electric vehicles – the Kangoo ZE, the Twizy ZE, the Zoe ZE and the Fluence ZE. However, the fabulous four is about to become the famous five.
Added to the line-up is the new Renault Kangoo Maxi ZE, meaning that Renault will have two electric vehicles in the small van segment by the end of 2011.
The Renault Kangoo Maxi ZE.
The Kangoo Maxi ZE is basically an extended version of the original Kangoo ZE with the wheelbase lengthened by around 40cm and the van available in both two- and five-seat formats.
The first version is made for transport use with the two front seats separated from the cargo by an optional bulkhead. Its height is 1.82metres, meaning it can gain access to underground car parks.
Meanwhile, the crew van version features a 60/40 split folding rear bench seat and has room for five occupants. The rear bench seat folds away into the floor and there is a 44kW synchronous electric motor with rotor coil underneath the bonnet that is powered by a 22kWh lithium-ion battery located underneath the floor. Its top speed is limited to 81mph and it has a combined cycle range of 106miles.
The vehicle also boasts a revised dashboard with a new human machine interface that can display the battery’s level of charge and remaining charge.
The Renault Kangoo Maxi ZE is expected to go on sale in the autumn at a pre-tax price of €21,200.
