Commercial vehicles took a small, but significant, step towards a zero emissions future today with the launch of a van version of Renault's electric Zoe hatchback.
Part of an expanding line-up of electric vans
It's part of an expanding line-up of electric Renault vans, dubbed the Pro+ range, which also includes the Kangoo Z.E. and Master Z.E.
As with the car version, the Zoe Van uses a 52kWh battery, which gives it a one-charge range of 395km on the WLTP programme. It'll charge at speeds of up to 50kW, which means you can top the battery from flat up to 80 per cent in one hour and ten minutes. Plug it into a 22kW charger and you can fully charge the Zoe's battery, from flat, in three hours. Renault also points out that, for those on tighter schedules, 30 minutes spent on a 50kW charger will give you an extra 135km of range.
80kW electric motor
Now, we don't yet know how much the Zoe Van is going to cost, because Renault Ireland is still working that bit out, and it doesn't actually go on sale until the end of this year. However, we do know that there will be two trim levels - Business and Business + - and that it will use the 80kW, or 110hp, electric motor. That's good enough for a 0-100km/h sprint in 11.4 seconds, or possibly more importantly, a dash from 0-50km/h in just 3.9 seconds.
Standard equipment on the Business trim will include a ten-inch digital instrument cluster, a seven-inch central touchscreen, manual air conditioning, LED headlamps and cruise control with a speed limiter. Business + models include satellite navigation, rear parking sensors, recycled material for the seats, lane keeping assistant, climate control and 16-inch alloy wheels.
There's also an optional Technology Pack that comes with the 9.3-inch portrait-oriented 'Easy Link' touchscreen infotainment system, front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera. There's also a Winter Pack that comes with heated seats and steering wheel.
Telematics for fleet users
All models get standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher-spec versions get always-on 4G connectivity. For fleet customers, a Telematic Control Unit (TCU) is available for fleet asset management, optionally available on both Business and Business+ trims.
Out the back, there's a flat load floor, and the rear doors have been retained for added practicality, although this being a van, the rear windows are disabled and covered in an opaque film. That load bay can swallow just over one cubic metre of cargo - 1,100 litres - and the load floor is 1,205mm long and 1,110mm wide. The Zoe Van can lug a total of 387kg of cargo.
Zoe Van customers can also enjoy a five-year, 200,000km warranty, along with an eight-year, 160,000km warranty specifically for the battery. Renault Ireland expects to have pricing confirmed by August.