Renault celebrates first UK order for electric Kangoo Van Z.E.
Six months ahead of the vehicle’s eagerly-anticipated UK launch, Renault is celebrating the first of what it believes will be many deals for its electric Kangoo Van Z.E. (Zero Emission). Its first order, for six vans, has been placed by longstanding customer JCDecaux, Europe’s largest ‘out-of-home’ advertising company.
Set to arrive in showrooms this October, priced from £16,990 excluding VAT, the Kangoo Van Z.E. is the world’s first fully electric light commercial vehicle produced by a volume manufacturer. It is already attracting significant interest from public and private organisations alike, seeking to promote the ‘greener’ side of their operations, as well as benefit from the potential cost and driving characteristic benefits of running electric vehicles.
The initial order of six vans will be used to enable staff to travel between JCDecaux’s sites. The company’s portfolio includes billboards, street furniture, retail and airports, and reaches more than 293 million consumers in 3,400 cities worldwide. In the UK, JCDecaux’s presence covers all major cities, including London, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow, making the Kangoo Van Z.E. the perfect choice for its fleet requirements as the infrastructure for charging the vehicles already exists.
Allaying concerns of electric vehicle compromises, the Kangoo Van Z.E. features the same dimensions, equipment and look of the internal combustion-engined versions, together with identical load capacity (ranging from 3 to 4.6m³ depending on model), payload (650kg), load length and high levels of comfort. With its roomy interior and cutting-edge technology, combined with its responsive and quiet motor, it is a viable option for private drivers and fleet operators.
Darren Payne, Director of Fleet and Commercial Vehicle Operations at Renault UK, said: “The fact that a company of JCDecaux’s size and reputation is investing in six Kangoo Van Z.E.s, is a fantastic third-party endorsement of our commitment to zero-emission vehicles.
“Renault will be the first manufacturer to offer a complete range of electric vehicles and this is a historic moment for us in the UK. I’ll look forward to handing over their Kangoo Van Z.E.s later in the year, and am certain they will not just prove their early adopter decision right, but also exceed expectations.”
Mark Cooper, Group Operations Director from JCDecaux, said: “Here at JCDecaux, we have always been industry innovators and have done everything possible to reduce our carbon footprint, and believe that in the major cities where we operate, the transfer of our fleet from fossil fuels to electric is a major step forward in aiding this process even further.
“Some of our staff spend a large proportion of their working day in vans, so it’s vital that we provide the most pleasant working environment for them, especially in heavily congested urban areas. Those fortunate to have sampled the Kangoo Van Z.E. have rated its performance and lack of noise very highly. They were also struck by how easy-to-drive and comfortable it is.”
The Renault Kangoo Van Z.E. range launches in October 2011, priced £16,990 to £18,690 excluding VAT, plus £59 per month battery lease based on 9,000 miles/4 years. More information on Renault’s Z.E. range, including pre-reservation details, is available at renault-ze.com.
