Kangoo ZE bags 2012 Van of the Year award

Renault’s all-electric Kangoo Z.E. has been voted the International Van of the Year for 2012 by a jury of 22 specialist European journalists. It’s the first time an electric van has been awarded the prestigious trophy and it’s particularly surprising that it should happen this year in the face of strong competition from a raft of newly updated, and excellent, diesel-powered Euro 5 vans like the Fiat Ducato, Ford Transit and Iveco Daily.

Referring to Renault’s unique battery-leasing financial package, jury chairman Pieter Wieman said: “Kangoo Z.E. brings the electric van within the reach of the normal European van user, thereby delivering a major contribution to environmental sustainability, one of the most important issues of the transport of goods by road nowadays.”

On receiving the prestigious award Jean-Marie Hurtiger, director of Renault’s Light Commercial Vehicle division, commented: “This prize rewards the work of the people at Renault who have worked for several years on the Kangoo Van Z.E., one of Renault’s four electric vehicles to be launched in the next 10 months. All of the company’s functions were involved in the adventure, including the design office, the Maubeuge plant and sales. They met the challenge in a remarkable manner, showing determination, creativity and, above all, an excellent team spirit that has now produced results.”

Having the lithium-ion battery sited under the load floor, Kangoo Z.E.retains the same load capacity and dimensions as the internal-combustion models. The development engineers also worked hard to retain the same 650kg payload. Kangoo Z.E. comes in two lengths and three versions — Van and two- or five-seater Maxi — all of them produced on the same production line as the diesel-engined versions. Load volumes range from 3.0 to 4.6m³.

In the UK Kangoo Z.E. Van can be acquired for a basic price (excl VAT) of £16,990 with the battery pack costing £60/month on a three-year contract and covering 6,000 miles/year. Increase the mileage to 15,000 and the hire charge rises to £87/month. It includes comprehensive breakdown cover, as well as a tow to the nearest charging point (within 50 miles) if the batteries become drained.

Click here for more details of Kangoo Z.E. and here for a video report of it taking part in the RAC Future Car Challenge 2011.