Renault Kangoo Maxi Z.E. joins the Renault electric vehicle range

The Kangoo Maxi Z.E. will be officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next week, and will join Renault's burgeoning range of zero emissions electric vehicles. The Kangoo Maxi Z.E. will go on sale later this year, and is available in two or five-seat configurations.

The Kangoo Maxi Z.E. has a 40cm longer wheelbase than the standard Kangoo Z.E., which translates into a maximum carrying capacity of 4.6 cubic metres, and a load length of 2.9 metres. The five-seat version has a 60-40 split rear bench which folds into the floor to provide for a completely flat deck, and free up almost 3.4 cubic metres of cargo space.

The Kangoo Maxi Z.E. is powered by a 60bhp electric motor, with a peak torque of 226Nm, and the motor is charged by a 22kWh lithium-ion battery that is fitted under the floor of the vehicle. Charging time is between 6 to 8 hours, and the van provides for a range of 170km.

Like all of its electric vehicles, Renault will offer customers the option to either buy or lease the Kangoo Maxi Z.E., with an additional monthly subscription to be paid for the battery. Renault says that the annual maintenance cost for the Kangoo Maxi Z.E. will be similar to the conventional model if the distance travelled is less than 15,000 km, and become more competitive as the mileage grows.

Renault says that the Kangoo Maxi Z.E. will appeal to business customers, such as fleet owners, tradespersons, public authorities and etc. who care about the environment and who are looking for maximum carrying capacity or a people carrier, as the Kangoo Maxi Z.E. carries over the same overall interior and exterior styling as the standard internal combustion-engine versions.