Renault Kangoo Z.E (2017 – 2020) Review

Renault Kangoo Z.E (2017 – 2020) At A Glance

4/5

+Comfortable to drive, will cover up to 120 miles in real-world driving conditions, battery can be topped up with 22 miles range in one hour.

-Cabin feels a little dated compared to its rivals, air con isn't fitted as standard, 640kg maximum payload.

The Renault Kangoo Z.E is the all-electric van with huge potential. Easy to use, practical and capable of travelling up to 120 miles on a single charge, the Kangoo panel van shows that you don’t have to downsize your professional expectations when it comes to choosing a workhorse, with zero tailpipe emissions.

Officially, the 2017 Kangoo Z.E has an all-electric range of 170 miles, but in a bid to address range anxiety head-on Renault has taken the unusual step of publishing real world economy figures for the all-electric Kangoo panel van. This means a driver can expect the Kangoo to cover 75 miles in the winter months and 124 miles in the summer on a single charge, compared to the 50 and 78 miles seen in the previous version.

Recharging the battery is simple, with the socket situated at the font of the van above the grille. A full charge takes six hours - when plugged into a wallbox - and 22 miles can be added in just a single hour, which is handy for topping up the range when parked up during a lunchbreak. 

The Kangoo Z.E is available in two load lengths - standard or Maxi - and can also be specified as a two-seater panel van or as a crew cab, with five seats. In its largest form, the Kangoo panel van will provide 4.6 cubic metres of space, with a load length of 2.1 metres. This can be extended to 2.8 metres when you specify the optional folding passenger seat, which lets the Kangoo carry pipes and planks of wood. A roof hatch can also be added for carrying ladders; however, owing to the additional weight of the battery pack, the payload of the Kangoo Z.E - in both standard and Maxi versions - is limited to 640kg. 

Like the diesel-powered Kangoo, the Z.E is good to drive with progressive and responsive steering that makes it effortless to park or perform a three-point turn. Feedback levels are also good though the steering wheel and pedals, which means you can easily judge how much grip the front-wheels have when tackling a series or bends or leaving a motorway via a slipway with a sharp turn. 

The Kangoo's 33kWh battery is linked to a 44kW electric motor to produce 60PS, which is well-suited for urban use, with zero tailpipe emissions and a silent operation. However, the Kangoo Z.E is not particularly at home on fast flowing roads and requires careful judgement to join a busy dual carriageway, with the 0-62mph sprint taking a HGV-rivalling 22.6 seconds.

Motorway performance aside, the Kangoo Z.E remains one of the best all-electric panel vans you can buy. Operators can choose to buy the van outright or part-purchase the vehicle and lease the battery. Both provide affordable options for professional drivers; especially when you factor in the low running costs - from as little as 2p-per-mile - and exemption from VED, congestion charging and Ultra Low Emissions Zone fees.

Ask Honest John

Are there grants for electric vans?

"Are there grants for an electric Renault Kangoo Maxi?"
The plug-in vehicle grant will pay for 20% of the purchase price for a new electric van, up to a maximum of £8000. If you live in London, you may be able to claim an additional £6000 off the price of a new electric van when you trade-in your old one: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/ulez-van-checker-will-you-have-to-pay-the-low-emissions-charge/#claim-up-to-gbp6000-as-part-of-the-ulez-scrappage-scheme
Answered by Dan Powell
More Questions

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