Test of the Renault Kangoo E-TECH 2022: a very versatile electric van

Paris is a big and bustling city, like many other capitals. However, just half an hour away by car is Chantilly, a small town full of quiet roads and beautiful landscapes. It is here that I have been able to carry out the test of the Renault Kangoo E-TECH 2022, the electric version of an already emblematic name of the diamond firm.

It was in 1997 when Renault launched this model on the market and, after 4.3 million units sold, the popularity that this van has acquired is undeniable. However, times change and it was necessary to have an electric propulsion version, which has now been improved.

Same aesthetics and more practicality

That variant is what I have before my eyes and the truth is that it is difficult to distinguish it with the naked eye from any unit with a thermal engine. The design of the Renault Kangoo E-TECH 2022 is practically identical to that of the conventional version, with subtle exceptions such as the front grille and the emblem located on it, behind which the charging socket is hidden.

At the back it has two doors that allow a 90º opening for easier loading and, on the right side, a sliding door. This version also has the configuration called by the brand as ‘Open Sesame’, in which the B pillar is eliminated to facilitate the work process.

This removal of the B-pillar adds to a fully folding front passenger seat and a grille that can be rotated to create extra storage space. Thus, the cargo volume is up to 3.9 m3, while the rigidity of the electric Renault Kangoo is not affected, since it has reinforcements at the bottom.

In this way, an interior focused on maximum practicality can be fully exploited. In fact, it is something that I perceive as soon as I sit in the driver’s seat, where I find all kinds of storage compartments of various sizes up to almost 60 liters of capacity altogether.

Of course, although this is a van, the comforts of any current car are also present. The most obvious is the 8” central screen to manage the Easy Link system, with a good response. In addition, there are also amenities such as heated steering wheel and seats, as well as a heat pump to increase the temperature of the cabin.

The latter is exclusive to the Kangoo E-TECH, as it is a solution by which the battery is not used to heat the interior. In this way, the up to 300 km of autonomy according to the WLTP cycle of this model are not affected.

120 hp and up to 300 km of autonomy

In the mechanical section, this variant now mounts a 90 kW motor -about 120 hp- and 245 Nm of maximum torque powered by a new 45 kWh lithium-ion battery. This accumulator is also located on the ground, so its payload remains unchanged with respect to the combustion model.

Thus, this van offers a load capacity of 600 kg, with 1,500 kg of towing capacity. Of course, for those who want something more, a long body version is also offered that increases these qualities, with 4.9 m3 of cargo volume and up to 800 kg of payload.

Returning to the mechanical section, this combination of motor and battery makes the autonomy of the Renault Kangoo E-TECH 2022 a maximum of 300 km. Of course, this is something that can be managed with the ECO driving mode -which leaves the power at 75 CV- and with the three available retention modes.

On the other hand, when it comes to recharging, we can use three types of chargers. An 11 kW three-phase charger for domestic charges is included as standard, but as an option we can choose one of 22 kW or one of 80 kW of direct current. With the latter, we can count on 170 km of autonomy after 30 minutes.

At the wheel, very soft

Already in full development of the Kangoo E-TECH 2022 test, I feel comfortable behind the wheel of this electric van. I am not used to driving this type of vehicle, but the truth is that I easily forget that I am not in a car, since I perceive sensations very similar to those of a car.

In fact, one drawback I was expecting was rear visibility, but that’s where the Rear View Assist on this unit comes in. As can be seen in other models in the segment, there is a small screen where the central mirror should be located that shows me the image of a rear camera. Something very useful, no doubt.

Therefore, I do not notice any major negative point and, driving on the roads near Chantilly, the sensations are generally good. The silence is sepulchral, ​​the suspension absorbs bumps without abruptness and the touch is smooth at all times, both in the direction and in the pedals. Moreover, it is especially so in this last point.

Let me explain: the engine response is adequate, also in ECO mode. At no time do I notice “laziness” when moving, but the power delivery is not performed aggressively, as it happens in other electric cars. This allows me to drive more relaxed, especially in twistier urban environments.

On the other hand, it should be mentioned that the test is being carried out with a load of 150 kg in the rear, as well as with a person in the passenger seat. It is likely that the behavior would be somewhat different without carrying any additional load, but I doubt that a really significant variation will be perceived.

After a while, I take the opportunity to test the retention modes, which I can control with the gear selector lever. As I said before, there are three intensities that should be used depending on whether we are driving on the highway or in the city, but the truth is that I do not notice excessive retention at any of the levels.

Perhaps the second mode is the one that is most difficult for me to perceive, but none of them is strongly noticeable. In fact, at times I almost forget that one is selected. However, it is not something that worries me, since the good energy management of this model is noticeable. Consumption, circulating on various roads, has been around 14 kWh/100 km, which is reasonable.

Prices of the Renault Kangoo E-TECH

At the moment, the price of the Renault Kangoo E-TECH 2022 starts at around 32,290 euros for companies in its conventional version. However, if you want to have the ‘Open Sesame’ version without the B-pillar on the right side, you will have to pay around 33,160 euros.

On the other hand, among its most direct rivals we find the Peugeot e-Partner, which is around 25,000 euros. Of course, we will also have a slightly lower autonomy -up to 275 km-, but the same load volume of 3.9 m3.

To work in the city or outside of it

With the Kangoo E-TECH 2022, the French firm tries to improve the qualities already offered by the electric variant of this van, designed mainly for work in urban environments. For small or medium businesses in these areas, it is a great option, although it is not limited to urban centers.

In summary, this is still a very versatile model, but updated. In this variant, the qualities that have defined all previous generations are maintained, but now they have been associated with the current standards of the segment and of electric vehicles. A good combination.