Renault will launch its latest electric van, the Kangoo Van Maxi Z.E. at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show. These are the first pictures of the all-electric version of the Kangoo’s larger brother, the Kangoo Van Maxi Z.E.. You can see the difference in size here:

Renault's two electric vans - the Kangoo Z.E. and the Kangoo Maxi Z.E.

The Kangoo Van Maxi’s 44kW electric motor is equivalent in power to a 60bhp diesel engine – but performance should be much zippier than it would with an equivalent diesel engine, due to the availability of maximum torque from a standstill. This characteristic of electric motors gives electric vehicles terrific acceleration when compared to internal combustion engines, which always have to build up some revs to reach maximum torque.

The loadspace is the same as in the standard models and the same options are available, too. The vans themselves will be built in the same factory in France as regular Kangoos. Prices start at £17,990 +VAT and there will also be a 5-seater crew cab version available. In common with several other electric vehicle manufacturers, Renault is maintaining control of the batteries – perhaps the part most likely to go wrong – by insisting that buyers pay a monthly rental charge for their batteries, regardless of whether they lease or buy the van. Battery rental starts at £59/mo +VAT for 9,000 miles per year and a 48 month contract.

The Kangoo Van Maxi Z.E. has the same flat floor and loadspace as the standard Kangoo Maxi

Renault is certainly one of the leading contenders when it comes to real-world electric vehicles and the Kangoo Z.E. models appear to offer relative affordability and real-world usability. Range is about 100 miles and a typical charge should take 6-8 hours and cost £2.50, according to Renault. They claim that owners of the electric van will break even with the cost of running a diesel model (which is cheaper to purchase but more expensive to fuel) at 9,375 miles, after which the electric Kangoo will be cheaper to run.