The What Van? Road Test: Renault Kangoo Z.E. 33

Date: Monday, May 14, 2018 | Author: Steve Banner

Renault is determined to make itself the go-to manufacturer so far as electric LCVs are concerned.

Its line-up now consists of the postage stamp-sized Twizy Cargo, the well-established Kangoo Z.E. – also sold in Maxi and Crew Van guises – and a more recent arrival in the shape of the Master Z.E.

At the same time as launching the battery-powered Master last year Renault unveiled an upgraded version of its Kangoo stablemate. It now boasts a range of 168 miles between recharges according to official NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) figures, says the manufacturer – a 50%-plus increase.

Sold solely in Business trim, the Kangoo Z.E. has been fitted with a new Z.E. 33 (33kWh) battery with greater energy density plus a new R60 (44kW) motor. A new 7kW 32A charger means the battery can be fully recharged in no more than six hours, says the company, and the Kangoo has become the first electric van to be made available with a heat pump to help keep the cab warm.

We took to the highways of Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire to sample the Kangoo Z.E. 33 – with the heater turned up to the max as it was bitterly cold and snowy at the time.

What Van? Britain's biggest and best van buyers' guide