Initially we felt it was distracting, but we soon got used to it and appreciated its clarity.
At a cool £800, however, – all prices quoted here exclude VAT – the price is eye-watering. So, it would be understandable if buyers decided to rely solely on the heated, electrically-adjustable, exterior rear-view mirrors instead. That said, do not forget the wide- angle mirror mounted on the inside of the sun visor. It should enable you to spot a cyclist who would otherwise be invisible edging down your nearside. The aforementioned camera is separate to the reversing camera – another option – that delivers a different, close-quarters, image to the touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard. The reversing sensors that complement it are standard. The 8.0in Easy Link touchscreen controls the infotainment system, with Bluetooth connectivity, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and a DAB radio all present, along with a 12-volt power socket and USB ports. Our test van boasted an optional smartphone dock. Remote controls for the radio are housed on a small stalk on the steering
Rivals
Maxus eDeliver 3
■ Price range (ex VAT)
■ Load volume ■ Gross payload ■ Electric motor
from £34,000 4.8m3
865-905kg 90kW (120hp)
Verdict: Bigger than Kangoo E-Tech and sensibly offering customers the choice of two different battery packs; eDeliver 3 is shipped in as a chassis cab as well as in panel van guise. The 200-mile-plus range predictions made by the manufacturer seem to be accurate, and eDeliver 3 is certainly worth a second glance if you need more space and payload capacity than the Renault offers.
Peugeot e-Partner
■ Price range (ex VAT)
■ Load volume ■ Gross payload ■ Electric motor
£32,385–34,840 3.3-3.8m3
751-803kg 100kW (134hp)
Verdict: A little behind some of its key competitors so far as range between recharges is concerned, it remains a sensible choice nevertheless, with a decent payload capacity and a good standard of ride and handling. Don’t forget that the same model is marketed by Citroën as the e-Berlingo, by Fiat Professional as the E-Doblo, by Vauxhall as the Combo-e and by Toyota as the Proace City Electric.
Volkswagen
ID.Buzz Cargo
■ Price range (ex VAT)
■ Load volume ■ Gross payload ■ Electric motor
£39,625–43,875 3.9m3
592-607kg 150kW (201hp)
Verdict: Looks like nothing else on the highway and will certainly ensure your business stands out from the pack. Plenty of power and a claimed 250-mile-plus range, but the front-end price is steep, and payload capacity is modest. Great stress is laid on built-in safety though, which we can only applaud. No long- wheelbase version is available, and none on the horizon, alas.
column that can be quite difficult to see when you are sitting behind the wheel.
Our Kangoo E-Tech did not come with an ignition key, but instead featured an optional keycard that must be present when you press the button which starts the vehicle.
The same card is used to lock and unlock the battery charging flap and the doors. The cab doors and load bay doors can be locked and unlocked separately.
The electric parking brake can engage and disengage itself automatically. Other handy features include a driver’s airbag and electric windows.
Manual air-conditioning is fitted and it is pleasing to see that both it and the heating and ventilation system are governed by big, chunky, easy-to- understand, knobs. No need to keep
@whatvan August 2023 WhatVan? 27
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