Renault announces two new electric vans

Renault has unveiled an all-electric version of its Master Z.E. van, as well as increasing the range of its Kangoo Van Z.E.

The new Kangoo Van Z.E. now has an NEDC range of 168 miles, which has increased by over 50% and is the longest of any electric LCV. It also allows for faster charging times, with a new 7kW 32A charger making it more practical for business users. A full charge now takes only six hours.

The new Master Z.E. is equipped with a Z.E.33 (33kWh) battery mated to the R75 (57kW) motor enabling a range of 124 miles (NEDC). A full charge from a 7kW Wall Box takes six hours.

The Master Z.E. has been created to primarily satisfy last-mile urban distribution and municipal needs and will be available in four versions – three lengths and two heights.

The new Kangoo Van Z.E. will go on sale in Europe from mid-2017 and the Master Z.E. will arrive in the European market at the end of 2017.

With three electric light commercial vehicles (LCV) – Twizy Cargo, New Kangoo Van Z.E. and Master Z.E. – this range is unique in the world.

The announcement of new electric vans comes at a time when Renault is being investigated in relation tosuspected “cheating” in diesel emissions tests.

The move comes in response to concerns raised last year by the French consumer protection agency, which carried out an investigation into several car makers in the wake of the Volkswagen scandal.

French anti-fraud authorities found abnormally high emissions from some of Renault’s diesel-engined cars.

A spokesman said Renault respected emission laws and did not use cheating software in its vehicles.