Renault Kangoo Van E-Tech - bold ideas for practicality

More and more Renault models carry the E-TECH badge. Electric passenger cars are now being joined by commercial vehicles. In some respects the Renault Kangoo Van E-TECH still cannot match its combustion-engined rivals, but when it comes to practicality it can take them on without any complexes.

More than a decade of Renault's experience in building zero-emission cars provides a good basis for creating new vehicles. Proven solutions from models such as the ZOE and the Megane E-TECH are finding their way into newly developed cars. The Kangoo Van E-TECH has a solid technical foundation of zero-emission drive, on which an exceptionally practical body has been built.

45 kWh battery, charging and multimedia

The vehicle is fitted with a 45 kWh battery mounted under the floor, so it does not reduce the usable load space. The van was tested in winter, in sub-zero temperatures, and with the battery fully charged it showed a range of just over 200 km. The batteries can be charged with a CCS DC connector or with alternating current. As standard, the vehicle comes with an 11 kW three-phase charger, but an optional 22 kW charger is also available, which makes the most of what AC charging stations can deliver. A lever on the centre console lets you select drive and, in its far-right position, switch between three levels of regeneration.

The version we tested also had two-level heating for the driver's seat. Unfortunately, this option was not provided for the passenger.

Thanks to the Easy Link multimedia system, familiar from other Renault models, you can use functions designed for both the combustion and the electric ranges. All information is shown on an 8-inch touchscreen and on the display in front of the driver. Some functions do need updating, however - with the batteries fully charged, while driving around Warsaw, the vehicle displayed a warning about the small number of charging stations in the area and urged us to top up.

Once you install the MyRenault app, you can schedule battery charging remotely and check its state of charge. You can also prepare the cabin for driving from a distance by heating or cooling it.

Open Sesame and the load space

The most interesting things about the Renault Kangoo are its practical features, in particular the system called 'Open Sesame by Renault', which provides the widest side loading opening on the market, a full 1.45 m. This was achieved by doing away with the right-hand central pillar between the passenger door and the right-hand sliding door. Add the ability to swing the bulkhead grille aside, and loading equipment and goods becomes enormously easier, which simplifies everyday work (the system costs around 8,000 zloty extra).

The manufacturer states that this solution did not involve any loss of passive safety, as the structural reinforcements have been moved inside the doors. Removing the pillar entailed several other changes. The door hinges are mounted at the very ends of the door (top and bottom). To fasten their seat belt, the passenger has to reach to the inner side of the seat and lock the buckle on the outer side. It is worth adding that the driver's and passenger's doors can be opened to an angle of 90 degrees.

An interesting feature is the camera and monochrome display that replace the rear-view mirror. While you drive, a camera mounted in the aerial on the roof shows what is happening behind you. There is also a reversing camera, which displays its image on the Multilink system screen when reverse gear is engaged.

The new electric Renault Kangoo Van E-TECH has load figures comparable to those of its combustion-engined counterpart. The load compartment offers 3.9 m3 and a 600 kg payload (4.9 m3 and 800 kg respectively in the long version)

To complete the picture, there are numerous practical storage compartments in the cab with a total capacity of almost 60 litres, as well as the Renault Easy Life drawer, which lets you store large and valuable items and reach them easily.

The Renault Kangoo Van E-TECH combines a proven electric drive with an innovative solution that increases practicality. The result is an interesting vehicle that is well suited to silent work, especially in the centres of big cities.