Following news last week on the confirmed European production sites for two of its new electric cars, Renault has now announced that it will manufacture its future electric, zero-emission Kangoo Van at M.C.A. (Maubeuge Construction Automobile), in northern France, starting in the first half of 2011.

To be built on the same production line as the internal combustion-engined versions, the new model will benefit from the same expertise and supply chain as the current Kangoo. A specialist LCV (light commercial vehicle) plant for twenty years, Maubeuge currently produces Kangoo, Kangoo Van and Kangoo be bop (three-door car version available on the Continent) and is able to continuously adapt to demand and the diverse nature of these types of vehicle (for example, short and long wheelbase versions, or those with and without side windows and tailgates). The choice of this factory will also allow the Group to ramp-up industrial production quickly, while guaranteeing high build quality levels. Read the rest of this entry »

The Renault Kangoo be bop Z.E. prototype is powered by a 44kW (60hp) electric motor and is equipped with a 15kWh battery. With 18 months remaining before the release of Renault’s forthcoming production electric vehicles, Kangoo be bop Z.E. provides a range of approximately 100km. By the time of their launch, Renault’s electric vehicles will have benefited from an evolution to their battery technology which will take their real-world range to 160km.

Optimizing the range of electric vehicles is a key parameter, which is why Renault is taking all the necessary steps to make this aspect of electric vehicle use as simple and efficient as possible. Read the rest of this entry »

Kangoo be bop Z.E. is derived from the production version of Kangoo be bop and is instantly recognisable by its ‘Energy Blue’ body colour, while the Renault logos on the grille and wheels are picked out in satin-finish blue-hued chrome. Inside, the satin-finish chrome and metallic acid green trim ensure a unique ambience, further expressed by the specific grey velour upholstery and embroidered ‘printed circuit’ motifs.

Like the Z.E. Concept concept car which was unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, Kangoo be bop Z.E. is equipped with low-energy LED (light-emitting diode) front and rear lighting to optimise energy use. Meanwhile, the car’s aerodynamics have been significantly reworked to reduce energy consumption. Kangoo be bop Z.E. sits on 18-inch full disc wheels, and its ground clearance has been lowered by 20mm compared with that of the production Kangoo be bop. Read the rest of this entry »

Renault will unveil the new Kangoo be bop this year at the Paris Motor Show. The Kangoo be bop features open-top motoring thanks to its glazed sliding roof and rear tailgate window. The model also comes with fully adjustable individual seats and is available with either a petrol or diesel engine. The dCi 85 emits just 138g of CO2/km, making it one of Renault’s most environmentally friendly vehicles. Available video includes exterior and interior b-roll as well as driving shots of the Kangoo be bop. Read the rest of this entry »