Renault Reveals All-Electric 2011 Kangoo Z.E. Van at Hannover Show, Sales Start Next Year

Renault has released pictures and details of the 2011 Kangoo Express Z.E. pure-electric van it showed at this week's International Commercial Vehicles Show in Hanover, Germany. It is the first of several production EVs Renault plans to launch over the next few years and the first all-electric van to be developed and built by a vehicle manufacturer - or so the company claims.

Fitted with a 22 kWh lithium-ion battery, the Kangoo Express Z.E. (Zero Emission) is good for 160 km (99 miles) on a single charge (6 to 8 hours from a standard 220 volt socket). The electric motor produces 44 kw (60 hp) and 226 Nm from idle and top speed is electronically limited to 130 km / h (81 mph).

In Europe, the Kangoo Express Z.E. costs €20,000 (US$26,776), or €15,000 (US$20,082) after the €5,000 (US$6,694) electric vehicle subsidy. This is unavailable in the UK as the Kangoo Express is classed as a light commercial vehicle there.

With the subsidy the price is the same as that for the Kangoo Express diesel. Buyers also have the choice of leasing the van, though prices have not been disclosed.

However, it should be noted that ownership of the vehicle will be separate to that of the battery. According to the French carmaker, customers will be able to purchase, or rent, their Z.E. van and then lease the batteries for €72 (US$96) a month for four years, with a yearly driving limit of 14,490 km (9000 miles).

The cost to fully recharged the batteries (for up to 160km driving range) is believed to be between €1 and €2 (US$1.34 -$2.68) depending on local electricity prices.

The Kangoo Express Z.E. has the same cargo carrying capacity as its ICE siblings and can be pre-ordered today, with first deliveries expected for mid-2011.

By Tristan Hankins

Renault Reveals Production Versions of All-Electric Fluence Z.E. and Kangoo Van Z.E

Following the Fluence Z.E. all-electric sedan concept's unveiling at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and last December's presentation of the Kangoo Van Z.E. prototype at the COP 15 (United Nations Climate Change Conference) in Copenhagen, Renault today unveiled the finalized designs of both models.

The French automaker said that customers in Europe and in a few more select countries including Singapore, South Africa and Russia, who are interested in the two models can pre-reserve their vehicle at "www.renault-ze.com" with first deliveries expected in the first half of 2011.

The Fluence Z.E. will be built at the OYAK-Renault factory in Bursa, Turkey, on the same production line as the internal combustion engine-powered versions of Fluence.

It is powered by an electric motor producing 70kW / 94HP and 226Nm / 167.7 lb-ft of torque that motivates the front wheels through a direct drive transmission.

The capacity of the Fluence Z.E.'s lithium-ion battery is 22kW/h. The battery itself tips the scales at 250kg and is located behind the rear seats.

The driver can charge the battery in one of three ways: through a household supply, which will fully charge the battery in between six and eight hours; at fast charge stations using a 32A 400V supply in approximately 30 minutes (available from 2012), and via a QuickDrop battery switch system that will enable the car's battery to be swapped in approximately three minutes at bespoke battery exchange stations.

In addition, an energy recovery system enables the battery to be charged when the car decelerates.

Renault said that fully charged, the Fluence Z.E. has a driving range of up to 160km or about 100 miles, while the car's top speed is electronically limited to 130km/h or 80mph.

The electric version of Fluence stands at a length of 4,750mm, which is 130mm longer than its internal combustion-engined brethren in order to accommodate the battery behind the rear seats.

Cosmetic changes over the standard model include a blue-hued tint on the headlamps, tail lamps, foglamps, logos and boot trim, gloss black exterior mirror housings, body-colour painted side protective mouldings and the battery charge flaps on both wing.

Also, the rear bumper incorporates a black diffuser, while the wheels have been specially designed to minimize turbulence.

Inside, the rev-counter has been replaced by a bespoke instrument, which displays data concerning remaining range and battery charge, while the decorative trim of the dashboard is exclusive to the model.

Continuing with the Kangoo Z.E., the small van is powered by a 44kW /59HP electric motor with 226Nm of peak torque that drives the front wheels.

It features a lithium-ion battery that is located in a central position beneath the floor, enabling the Kangoo Z.E. to boast the same carrying capacity as the internal combustion-engined model.

The battery can be charged via a household mains supply (16A 220V) in between six and eight hours, offering an operational range of 160 km or 100 miles.

Later on, Renault's range of electric cars will be enhanced with the presentation of the production versions of the Zoe Z.E. small coupe and the Twizy Z.E. urban vehicle that boasts a tandem seating layout.

The French automaker added that it estimates electric vehicles will account for 10 per cent of the world market by 2020 and that the Renault-Nissan Alliance is investing €4 billion in its zero emissions programme.

Renault Hires The Simpsons To Promote the New Kangoo

The Simpsons family has taken a short break from their TV series in order to participate in Renault’s new Kangoo advertising campaign that will be aired in 29 cuntries, starting in France on February 9. As you’d expect, the tone of the campaign is humorous, with the Simpsons subjecting New Kangoo to a real “torture test” to highlight the minivan’s feature qualities. –More pics after the jump

Frankfurt Show: Renault Kangoo Compact Concept

Renault presented a concept version of the new Kangoo distinguished by its compact size. Less than four metres long (157.4-inches), the 4-seater Kangoo Compact Concept is a leisure vehicle that targets young people with an active lifestyle. The concept is powered by Renault’s 1.5 dCi diesel engine that delivers an output of 105hp and 240Nm (177 lbs/ft). According to the guys we talked at Renault, the Kangoo Compact will form the base for a production version which will go into production by mid 2008. -Press release and high-res image gallery after the jump

KANGOO COMPACT CONCEPT: LIGHT, AIRY, AND IN PURSUIT OF LEISURE

Renault takes the wraps off Kangoo Compact Concept at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. Kangoo Compact Concept sets the tone for the new, wider Kangoo line-up. It targets young, active town- and city-dwellers who are into sport and are looking for a compact car that matches their life-style. Its expressive, robust lines are emphasized by its special two-tone colour scheme that blends Fireball Orange and Brushed Aluminium. The cabin, which floods with light, is made to be shared with friends. Roomy and fun, Kangoo Compact Concept focuses firmly on the pursuit of leisure and this sporting life. Built around a roller-skating theme, the car was developed in partnership with Rollerblade, and inspired by the shared values of mobility, togetherness, and lust for life.

Kangoo Compact Concept, out in the open air

Kangoo Compact Concept is a compact, robust leisure utility vehicle that boasts an original design and unprecedented proportions. Its affable style is straight out of the fresh, modular world of Kangoo. What really sets it apart is its two-tone, three-door body, and extraordinary glazed surface area, while its unique Fireball Orange and Brushed Aluminium colour scheme highlight its generous curves.

Less than four metres long, Kangoo Compact Concept is in its element in towns and cities. Yet it is always ready to head for the open air and whisk its driver and three passengers away to the great outdoors. Its rugged all-terrain look is emphasised by a ride height that has been raised 200mm, and chunky 19-inch aluminium wheels with five blue-tinged translucent spokes. Its young, energetic personality asserts itself through its high-performance LED headlamp and indicator units, which hint at the world of roller-skating.

With its conveniently removable rear-section roof, the Kangoo Compact Concept can carry bulky equipment or simply give its occupants the chance to enjoy an open-air drive. Once the hinged roof-flap has been removed and the electrically-controlled rear screen has slid out of sight, the wide blue yonder beckons.

Because responsibility and respect for the environment matter to its users, Kangoo Compact Concept is powered by a 1.5 dCi 105 engine compliant with Euro IV standards and equipped with a particulate filter. With 240Nm of torque generated from 2,200rpm, the 105hp [78 kW] powertrain is an excellent solution for short urban trips and longer journeys on the open road.

A four-seater sitting-room on wheels

Kangoo Compact Concept’s cabin provides passengers with an astonishing living space, a legacy from its elder sister Kangoo. The playful, sporty, refined interior, with its astute blend of Skate Blue leather and techno-look Aluminium Grey 3D mesh fabric, topped off with a few splashes of Tonic Orange, really makes its occupants feel at home.

The dashboard combines softly rounded volumes and curved lines with transparent, slip-proof silicone material silicon, borrowed from the roller-skating world. The navigation screen, compass, and other controls that might be useful to people out for a drive are all located in the central console, very much in the Touch Design spirit that is so dear to Renault. Additional sporty touches include the steering wheel’s slip-proof cladding, blue and fluorescent orange liquid fuel and water gauges, and the speedometer, which incorporates a manual speed limiter as well as a blue zone representing the speed range of a person on roller skates, i.e. 0 to 80kph.

Kangoo Compact Concept boasts numerous functions for motorists who like family outings or getting together with friends. The tailgate has a lower panel that opens out to 45° and 90° - very convenient for putting on your roller skates (which the car is pre-equipped with) or for two people to sit down on. Seat positions are adjustable using an ergonomically designed electric finger-roll control shaped like a roller skate wheel. The seats slide forward so that the rear bench seat can swivel through 180°C to make full use of all the space in the car and – a very practical feature – so that passenger can get into the vehicle through the tailgate.

Spare roller skate wheels and other accessories can be stowed in the purpose-built bins in the side panels, which frees up space in the cabin. In keeping with the skating spirit, Kangoo Compact Concept exudes youth and dynamism, emphasised by two translucent blue side waves made from plexiglass and a stylish, metal mesh floor shaped like a half pipe.

A new approach to light

Kangoo Compact Concept’s generous interior space is highlighted by the brightly lit ambience in which it bathes. Its panoramic windscreen is supplemented by a glass roof and a retractable rear roof flap and rear screen. The wide sweep of its windows lets the light shine in, creating a bright, warm feel, while also affording occupants a panoramic view of the road.

The rear roof flap and rear screen can be folded away in just a few seconds to make room for bulky objects or simply to enjoy a ride in the open air. The removable roof feature is unique. It is ideal for people with fast lifestyles who like having fun with friends and are always keen to try out new experiences.