road test


This includes a fridge van, that uses older drive batteries to power the fridge unit and an unusual tipper conversion (pictured right). Perhaps the most interesting body on offer is an insulated 6m3


delivery body. This would bridge


the gap between the Kangoo Maxi and the soon to be launched Master Z.E. The Kangoo Z.E., in


both standard and Maxi bodies, has been the most popular small electric van in Europe for the last six years, with more than 25,000 sold. From the driver’s seat, it is easy to see why, as the Kangoo Z.E. offers an easy drive that will be familiar to any van operator. The Kangoo Z.E. has a


conventional automatic transmission lever to select the single-speed drive and then it’s just a case of pushing the throttle pedal to go. In urban use you rarely need to use the brake pedal as regenerative braking, which helps to recharge the batteries, slows the van


suffi ciently in most situations. With full torque from a standstill,


there is plenty of acceleration available and the van can handle dual carriageway cruising as well. Over an extended drive to the north of Paris, with a 30-minute top-up over lunch, there was never any concern over range and the Kangoo delivered a comfortable, quiet drive. Renault has yet to post


prices for the revised vans, but the company will continue to offer the battery in a separate lease deal. You can buy the van with the battery included if preferred, but to date less than 5% of UK buyers have taken up the option, preferring the reassurance of the lease deal.


With improved range, faster charging and the potential for a wider range of conversions options, Kangoo Z.E. appears to be covering quite a few bases. Add in the fact that electric vehicles in general seem to be growing in popularity and Renault’s updated zero emission van should do very well indeed.


VENTILATION


HANDLES & LOCKS


Innovative Fixtures and Fittings SEALANTS Preferred by Professionals ELECTRICAL


Badminton Road Trading Estate Yate, Bristol, BS37 5JS


Tel: 01454319524 Web: stedall.co.uk 16 VanUser August 2017 IRONWORK HINGES


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32