The electric Renault Kangoo VAN and Kangoo now use a 52 kWh battery that gives a WLTP range of up to 354 km (220 miles), with homologation still pending. Two new motors replace the previous single output, and DC fast charging rises to 100 kW. Every version of the compact van and MPV, petrol and diesel included, also gets a larger 10-inch touchscreen.

Renault has updated its Kangoo line-up, and most of the changes are to the electric versions. The commercial Kangoo VAN and the passenger Kangoo E-Tech electric now share their battery and motors with the Renault 5 and Renault 4 E-Tech electric. Some of the new interior technology also comes to the petrol and diesel models. Prices will be announced in the coming weeks, the company says.

A larger battery and more range

The old 45 kWh pack has been replaced by a 52 kWh battery using NMC chemistry. Renault quotes a range of up to 354 km (220 miles) on the WLTP cycle, depending on the version and body style. That figure is still awaiting homologation.

DC fast charging rises from 80 kW to 100 kW. According to the manufacturer, charging from 15 to 80 per cent now takes 30 minutes instead of 40. Half an hour at a fast charger adds up to 240 km (149 miles) of range, compared with 179 km (111 miles) before, a gain of 61 km (38 miles).

For AC charging, Renault offers 11 kW and 22 kW onboard chargers, depending on the model. The company describes this choice as unique on the market. On an 11 kW wallbox, a 15–80 per cent charge takes 3 hours 30 minutes. On 22 kW, it takes 1 hour 45 minutes, and Renault says 30 minutes is enough to add nearly 70 km (43 miles). The heat pump is still fitted.

Two outputs replace one

The single 90 kW (120 hp) motor with 245 Nm has been dropped. In its place come two new motors:

  • 100 kW (135 hp) and 270 Nm
  • 115 kW (155 hp) and 300 Nm

The 135 hp version has Eco and Normal driving modes. The 155 hp version adds a “Perfo” MySense mode, which Renault says is aimed mainly at driving with a full load. Modes are selected with a button on the dashboard.

There are now four levels of regenerative braking instead of three, chosen with new paddles on the steering wheel. The gear lever has been replaced by a smaller e-shifter on the dashboard, which frees up space on the centre console and includes Auto Hold.

Features for everyday electric use

The electric models get an EV Route Planner and battery preconditioning before charging. Preconditioning can start automatically when a route is planned in the multimedia system, or manually from a dashboard control. Cabin pre-conditioning and remote, scheduled charging are also available.

Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) is new. It lets the battery power external equipment such as an air compressor or power tools, which is useful for trade customers.

A new screen across the range

Every Kangoo VAN and Kangoo, whatever its powertrain, gets a 10-inch touchscreen in place of the old 8-inch unit. Renault says the display quality is better and the system responds twice as fast. OpenR Link comes in two versions, both with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. One has no navigation; the other adds built-in navigation and apps, with HERE maps replacing TomTom.

USB-C ports are now fitted across the range: two near the e-shifter, two more optional ports by the phone holder, and two for rear passengers in the Kangoo MPV. The wireless phone charger now delivers 25W instead of 15W, has a magnetic mount with cooling and supports MagSafe. A new emergency call button and a 4G/5G-compatible eCall unit are also fitted.

Built in France

The Kangoo has been built at Renault’s Maubeuge plant in northern France since 1997, and the factory produced its four-millionth Kangoo in December 2023. The new battery is made in Douai, the electric motor in Cléon and the running gear modules in Le Mans.

What it means

The battery and motors come from Renault’s newer passenger cars, so the Kangoo now uses the same hardware. The biggest practical gains for fleet users are the faster DC charging, the extra range and the V2L function. The Kangoo VAN is also still offered with a TCe 130 petrol engine and Blue dCi 95 and 115 diesels. Renault says the Kangoo VAN is France’s best-selling light commercial vehicle and that the electric version leads its class in Europe.

Facts: Renault Kangoo VAN / Kangoo E-Tech electric

  • Battery: 52 kWh NMC (previously 45 kWh)
  • Range: up to 354 km (220 miles) WLTP, homologation pending
  • Power: 100 kW (135 hp) / 270 Nm or 115 kW (155 hp) / 300 Nm
  • DC charging: up to 100 kW; 15–80% in 30 minutes
  • AC charging: 11 kW or 22 kW, depending on model
  • Regenerative braking: four levels, selected with paddles
  • Screen: 10-inch OpenR Link
  • Lengths: 4.49 m and 4.91 m
  • Price: to be announced

Pricing for the updated Kangoo VAN and Kangoo is due to be announced in the coming weeks.

Source: media.renault.com