Electric Van
New Renault Master ZE Electric Van with Kangoo ZE Electric Van behind (Image: Renault)
So what’s happening with the electric van? Everyone by now is aware of the exciting progress being made in the development of electric cars. We have the high performance Tesla Model S and the upcoming Model 3. We have the carbon-fibre BMW i3, the stylish Renault ZOE, and the budget Nissan Leaf. Technology is moving fast, with the i3, ZOE and Leaf all getting range upgrades in the last year (to the i3 94Ah, ZOE ZE40 and Leaf 30kWh models respectively).
Well, there is a definite increase in electric van sales just as there is with electric cars, though it isn’t as dramatic. Current statistics show there are now about 4,500 electric vans registered in the UK. Sales are increasing all the time. Many businesses are now finding that an electric van can work very well for them.
New Electric Vans
While there is a fair range of new all-electric vans on the market, there are two that are clearly the most popular in terms of numbers sold. These are the Nissan e-NV200 and the Renault Kangoo ZE.
However, nearly all current electric vans are relatively small, including these two. An interesting new development is the launch of the first much larger ‘Transit’ style van, the Renault Master ZE. Let’s look at these three electric vans in more detail.
Nissan e-NV200 Electric Van
Nissan e-NV200 electric van
The Nissan e-NV200 is the definitive electric van in the UK, selling in the biggest numbers. It derives from the well-known NV200 van, usually powered by a turbodiesel engine. The e-NV200 uses the same chassis, with the engine replaced by a motor. The battery fits under the load compartment floor.
Its load volume is 4.2m³ of load space, enough to hold two Euro pallets, or cargo weighing up to 770kg. It has wide-opening rear doors and a pair of sliding side panel doors to make loading quick and easy.
The e-NV200 has a 24kWh Lithium-Ion battery, same as in the Leaf. Nissan suggest that this gives the e-NV200 a range of about 106 miles but we would say that’s optimistic. In typical use we might expect to see 75 miles in warm weather and 50 miles in cold weather.
Prices start from about £230+VAT per month so get in touch if you’d like a quote.
Renault Kangoo ZE Electric Van
Kangoo Z.E. 2017 electric van (Image: Renault)
The Renault Kangoo Z.E. (for Zero Emission) is the all-electric version of Renault’s long-standing Kangoo van, which is itself based on the Renault Megane chassis. It’s a bit smaller than the e-NV200, having a load volume of 3m³ (though there is a Maxi version with a volume of 4m³) and a payload of 650kg.
It is quoted as having a 22kWh Lithium-Ion battery. However, Renault typically quote the usable size of the battery (where Nissan quote the total capacity) so the Kangoo likely has a battery of about 26kWh so somewhat bigger than the e-NV200. Also, as well as giving the official (NEDC) range of 106 miles Renault helpfully suggest real world ranges. These are 78 miles in summer and 50 miles in winter.
There is exciting news however: the Kangoo is getting a battery upgrade to 33kWh. This should give it about 50% more range. It is due to be available from the middle of 2017.
Prices for the current model start from about £235+VAT per month so get in touch if you’d like a quote.
Renault Master ZE Electric Van
Renault Master Z.E. Electric Van (Image: Renault)
Early in 2017 Renault announced that its Master van would be available in a fully electric version, using essentially the same 33kWh battery as the new Kangoo Z.E. It claims to get a range of 200km (120 miles) but this is optimistic. Its real world range is likely to be closer to 100 miles, particularly in cold weather. However, if it retains the load volume (at least 12m³) and 1500kg payload of the conventional Master then it will be a very attractive proposition to many companies.
We hope to be able to provide the new Renault Master Z.E. to customers towards the end of 2017.
Used Electric Vans
As well as new electric vans we can also supply used ones. Of course, the availability and pricing depend on what’s in stock. If you’d like us to quote you for a used Nissan e-NV200 or Renault Kangoo ZE electric van then just get in touch.