Renault Kangoo Z.E. Concept EV Announced for Production in 2011

By Thami Masemola
November 9, 2009 11:20 PM
Filed Under: Electric Vehicle, European, Production, Renault

The Renault Kangoo range will add a fully-electric model from the first half of 2011. The zero-emission Kangoo Express LCV will be produced at M.C.A. (Maubeuge Carrosserie Automobile) in northern France along the same output line as internal combustion variants. Renault will leverage its expertise and buying power gathered for the current Kangoo in ensuring the new electric vehicle is up to standard. It will be followed by a production version of the Zoe Z.E. Concept which goes on sale in 2012 as well as the Twizy Z.E. Concept.

Renault unveiled the Kangoo be bop Z.E. and the Kangoo Z.E. Concept cars as precursors to this production model. The latter had a 70kW (95hp) electric motor making 266Nm. A lithium-ion battery was installed as part of the package and together they were said to achieve a range of 160km on a full charge.

The LCV is intended mainly as an urban or peri-urban vehicle for professionals. Renault gave assurance that Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) will be excellent, making it an attractive option for those seeking a clean and reliable alternative in the segment.

Press Release (Click to expand)

RENAULT TO PRODUCE THE ELECTRIC VERSION OF KANGOO IN MAUBEUGE, FRANCE

Renault has decided to produce the future electric, zero-emission version of its Kangoo Express LCV at M.C.A. (Maubeuge Carrosserie Automobile), in northern France, starting in the first half of 2011.

The electric vehicle will be built on the same production line as the internal combustion variants. The new version will benefit from the know-how, fabric of suppliers and logistics network of the current Kangoo. Specializing in LCVs for twenty years, Maubeuge, which produces Kangoo, Kangoo Express and Kangoo be bop is able to continuously adapt to the diversity that is proper to this kind of vehicles (short or long versions, with or without lateral windows, etc.), and to meet demand. This option will allow the Group to start up industrial production quickly, while guaranteeing the highest level of quality of build.

Kangoo be bop Z.E. and Kangoo Z.E. Concept were the precursors of the future electric Kangoo, which
will be an LCV designed for professionals. It will be mainly intended for urban and peri-urban use. Not
only will the new version protect the environment, but it will also boast an excellent TCO (Total Cost of
Ownership), making it a highly attractive solution for both individual customers and fleet operators.

On November 5, 2009, Renault announced that production of its future vehicle derived from Zoé Z.E. Concept was to start in Flins starting in 2012 and that the Group planned to take part in a French joint venture for research into the production and recycling of batteries for electric vehicles. Today, by deciding to produce the electric version of Kangoo at Maubeuge, Renault confirms that France will be at the heart of its zero-emission strategy.

Fully aware of the issues involved in sustainable mobility, Renault has decided to mass market a complete range of affordable zero-emission electric vehicles starting in 2011.