Driving report Renault Kangoo E-Tech Electric: For trade and families
High-roof station wagon doesn’t sound particularly appealing, and that’s why Renault resorts to a verbal reinvention of the Kangoo and invents the new term station wagon, with which the language creators quite aptly combine the talents of this vehicle class in one word. This class of vehicle is popular with families and tradespeople alike for its versatility, and now the Kangoo is rolling out to dealerships in an electrified version in May.
The generous amount of space has remained. With a loading volume of 1730 cubic centimeters and a payload of 500 kilograms, the Kangoo E-Tech Electric almost reaches the data of the combustion engine version. It also corresponds to the conventionally powered version in terms of body design. The battery-electric Kangoo has enough space for tools or luggage for family vacations and equipment for leisure activities. “We expect a 20 percent share of electric Kangoos,” explained product manager Simon Scherzer at the presentation.
The Kangoo E-Tech Electric is powered by a 90 kW electric motor, which is powered by a 45 kWh battery. That is enough for a theoretical range of 285 kilometers according to the WLTP measurement method, which can be stretched somewhat using the recuperation options. The family outing should therefore not go too far if you want to avoid stopping at charging stations. In the best case, it takes 37 minutes at a quick charging station to charge the battery to 80 percent if the (optional) suitable technology is on board. The station wagon is equipped with an eleven kW charger as standard, which translates into significantly longer waiting times. Renault gives a guarantee of eight years or 160,000 kilometers on the energy storage.
The Renault creatives also held back in the interior, so that only the instruments refer to the electric drive. However, thanks to the torque of 245 Newton meters, it gets down to business powerfully and accelerates the station wagon to 100 km/h in 12.6 seconds, and at a speed of 132 km/h the propulsion is limited. The performance is always enough to keep up with the traffic. The many shelves and the selected materials are reminiscent of use in the trade. The electric Kangoo comes to customers with a comprehensive assistance package. Among other things, this includes an emergency brake assistant as well as a lane keeper, fatigue warning and high-beam assistant. A blind spot warning system and adaptive cruise control are available for a surcharge.
Once in motion, the electric Kangoo is no different from its combustion engine counterpart. However, acoustic companions are clearly noticeable while driving, which are swallowed up by other noise sources in the conventional variant. A little more insulation wouldn’t have been a bad idea. Renault specifies the consumption as 19.2 kWh. After a trip around Cologne, the on-board computer showed 20.6 kWh.
The Kangoo E-Tech is available in two equipment versions.
While the basic version Equilibre (38,900 euros with 11 kW charger, 40,800 euros with fast charger) is primarily intended for use in trade, the Techno version is intended to convince families of e-mobility. With the standard charger, the Techno costs 42,000 euros, with a quick charger 43,500 euros change hands. (cen/Walther Wuttke)
Data Renault Kangoo E-Tech Electric
Length x width x height (m): 4.48 x 1.91 x 1.83
Wheelbase (m): 2.71
Drive: Electric
Total power: 90 kW / 122 hp
Max. torque: 360 Nm
Top speed: 132 km/h
Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h: 12.6 seconds
Electric range: 285 km (WLTP)
WLTP average consumption: 19.2 kWh
Empty weight/load: min. 1870 kg/max. 500kg
Price: from 38,900 euros
