Frankfurt green news: Renault Kangoo Z.E. Concept
This is a Kangoo, but not as we know it. Instead, Renault has come up with an electrically powered Kangoo concept that shows how the next generation of its van-based people mover may look and how it will be propelled.
What's all the fuss about?
Electric vehicles are all the rage on the Renault stand and the Kangoo is one of four concepts on display. The Kangoo shares its battery system with the Fluence, so it can be normally charged in four to eight hours, or have a rapid charge in just 20 minutes. There's also the option of swapping the flat battery for a fully charged one in just three minutes, which makes it as easy to recharge as filling a petrol tank.
What makes it so green?
An electric motor and battery mean no emissions at the point of use, though this doesn't solve the quandary of where the electricity comes from. However, Renault has worked hard to reduce the amount of time it takes to charge the battery, which helps decrease the amount of electricity needed to charge it up properly.
When can I buy one?
No firm word from Renault about when we'll see electric Kangoos in the showroom, but the hint is it will be sometime in late 2011 or 2012. As this is still some way off, Renault is not talking about prices yet.
Frankfurt green news: Renault Kangoo Z.E. Concept pictures
