The Renault Kangoo has been a dominant player in the small van market since its inception in 1997. With its early adoption of electric power, the fully-electric Kangoo Z.E. made waves when it hit the scene in 2011. After a decade of success, the Kangoo bid farewell in 2021, but now it’s back and better than ever. The 2023 Renault Kangoo E-Tech is the latest addition to Renault’s electric vehicle lineup, offering more technology, range, and cargo space than its predecessor. This compact electric van jumps straight to the front of the pack, ready to revolutionize the market.
A Trio of Electric Vans
Renault’s new Kangoo E-Tech is not alone in its mission to electrify the small van segment. It is part of a trio of electric vans based on the same underpinnings. Joining the Kangoo in this electric revolution are its sister models, the new Nissan Townstar and the Mercedes eCitan. Together, these three compact electric vans are set to transform the way we think about urban transportation.
A Stylish and Practical Design
When it comes to design, the Renault Kangoo E-Tech strikes the perfect balance between style and practicality. While its predecessor had its charms, the new Kangoo takes it up a notch in terms of aesthetics. With black plastic bumpers at the front and rear, the Kangoo not only looks sleek but also reduces repair costs. Inside the cabin, you’ll find a mix of grey and black plastics, along with hard-wearing fabric seats designed to withstand the rigors of daily use.
The cabin of the Kangoo E-Tech also borrows elements from the current Clio supermini, including the switchgear, steering wheel, and climate control dials. This infusion of premium touches elevates the Kangoo’s interior, giving it a more upmarket feel. While the driver’s display is not fully digital, the analogue instruments, including an energy flow gauge, provide key information. Higher-spec models also feature an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration for seamless smartphone connectivity.
Versatile and Spacious Cargo Solutions
One of the standout features of the Renault Kangoo E-Tech is its versatile and spacious cargo solutions. The van is available in two variants: the standard model and the long-wheelbase (LWB) version. Both models feature twin rear doors that split 60:40 and open up to 180 degrees, making loading and unloading a breeze. The standard model comes with a single nearside sliding side door, while the LWB version has sliding doors on both sides.
In terms of cargo volume, the standard model offers a generous 3.3 cubic meters, while the LWB version ups the ante with a 4.2 cubic-meter capacity. A steel bulkhead separates the cargo area from the cabin, ensuring safety and security during transport. However, it’s worth noting that the Kangoo E-Tech does not offer a through-loading bulkhead, which can be a handy feature for transporting longer items. Despite this minor drawback, the Kangoo E-Tech remains a highly practical and adaptable van for various business needs.
Powerful Electric Performance
Under the hood, or rather, under the floor, the Renault Kangoo E-Tech boasts impressive electric performance. It is equipped with an 88kW electric motor that drives the front wheels, delivering a substantial 245Nm of torque. This electric powertrain is paired with a 44kWh battery, providing a significant increase in capacity compared to the previous generation Kangoo Z.E. According to Renault, this battery can power the Kangoo E-Tech for up to 300km, making it a reliable option for daily commutes and urban deliveries.
The Kangoo E-Tech also comes with fast charging capabilities, allowing you to replenish the battery quickly. While it may not match the charging speeds of some of its competitors, such as the Citroen and Fiat electric vans, the Kangoo E-Tech’s 80kW fast charging is still impressive. With a 15-80% top-up taking just 31 minutes, you can expect to gain over 160km of range with a short charging session. For home charging, a 7.4kW wallbox will fully recharge the Kangoo’s battery in a little over seven hours.
A Smooth and Quiet Ride
When it comes to driving dynamics, the Renault Kangoo E-Tech delivers a smooth and quiet ride. The electric motor provides ample power and torque, allowing the van to accelerate effortlessly. The light steering makes maneuvering through tight streets and parking spaces a breeze. On the motorway, the Kangoo E-Tech impresses with its refinement, offering minimal wind and tire noise in the cabin.
The Kangoo E-Tech also offers different driving modes to suit your preferences and optimize efficiency. In Normal mode, the van operates at its full potential, providing unrestricted power and speed. Switching to Eco mode limits power to 54kW and reduces the top speed to 109km/h, helping to conserve battery energy. While the impact of Eco mode on real-world driving range may vary, it’s a useful feature for those looking to maximize their mileage. Additionally, the Kangoo E-Tech features regenerative braking, allowing you to recapture energy while decelerating and further extending the van’s range.
Advanced Safety and Technology Features
Safety and technology are at the forefront of the Renault Kangoo E-Tech’s design. The van offers a range of advanced driver-assist features, including traffic sign recognition, blind spot warning, and driver attention alert. These features contribute to a safer driving experience, particularly in busy urban environments. For added convenience, the Kangoo E-Tech can be equipped with a Parking Pack, which includes 360-degree parking sensors and a rear camera. Another option adds full parking sensors, hands-free parking, and a display that replaces the rear-view mirror with a live feed from a camera mounted at the back of the van.
Conclusion
After years of dominance by the Citroen e-Berlingo and its Stellantis Group siblings, the Renault Kangoo E-Tech emerges as a worthy competitor in the small electric van market. With its enhanced technology, extended range, and spacious cargo capacity, the Kangoo E-Tech is ready to meet the demands of businesses and individuals seeking eco-friendly transportation solutions. While it may not have the fastest charging speeds or a through-loading bulkhead, the Kangoo E-Tech excels in all the areas that matter. Get behind the wheel of this revolutionary compact electric van and experience a new era of efficient and versatile urban mobility.