Renault Kangoo E-Tech Review: Driving the Future of Urban Delivery

What we like:

Drives and handles surprisingly well

Very comfortable for long journeys

Plenty of usable space

What we dislike:

No short wheelbase option

When I think of the Renault Kangoo (which, if I'm honest, isn't too often), the original model comes to mind—a nostalgic blast from the early 2000s when the facelifted version of Renault's first Kangoo hit Singapore’s streets. Back then, this little compact van was almost iconic—a cheerful, practical fixture on our roads. It became a staple for small businesses, with its surprising versatility allowing it to double up as a passenger vehicle. Talk about a throwback. So, imagine my surprise to discover a new iteration, let alone an electric version here in Singapore.

Enter the Renault Kangoo E-Tech, Renault’s electrified reboot of a beloved workhorse, now crafted with the demands of modern urban logistics in mind. The E-Tech presents a fresh approach to the electric utility van, aimed at business owners seeking efficient, eco-conscious mobility without sacrificing practicality. It’s got a distinctive promise: a blend of refined, user-friendly handling, familiar utility, and an electric motor capable of making urban deliveries a little bit greener. Let’s see how it stacks up in the evolving world of commercial EVs.

How Does It Drive?

Being my first experience with a commercial van, I frankly wasn’t sure of what to expect. You could well say I took on this assignment with my eyes wide open. From the get-go, I was impressed. The first thing that strikes you is how nimble the Kangoo E-Tech feels on the road. Renault has engineered a smooth, comfortable drive that’s almost uncharacteristic of commercial vans, which tend to lean more toward functionality than finesse.

It handles rather confidently, with a decently responsive steering and a lively, agile feel that is on par with many passenger MPVs—great for navigating tight, congested roads in between hour-long deliveries. Though it’s designed primarily for functionality, the drive quality is pleasantly smooth and the ride is very well sorted.

The Kangoo E-Tech's electric motor provides 120 hp and 245 Nm of torque—modest on paper, perhaps, but remarkably capable once it hits the tarmac. It reaches 0-70 km/h (the commercial vehicle speed limit in Singapore) in a swift 5-6 seconds depending on the load, making it ideal for urban stops and starts. This lively acceleration is a boon for city-based deliveries, where maneuverability and the ability to jump into action at traffic lights are invaluable. True to Renault’s engineering finesse, the suspension setup offers a pliancy that soaks up road imperfections, delivering a stable, comfortable ride that minimizes fatigue during long shifts.

Interior Design: Built with Purpose and Practicality

Renault has carefully designed the Kangoo’s cabin with the day-to-day demands of commercial drivers in mind. Every inch of the interior is tailored for function, featuring abundant storage compartments that are ideal for essentials like paperwork, delivery manifests, and devices. Multiple charging points scattered throughout the cabin ensure drivers stay powered and connected, while features like wireless charging and Apple CarPlay elevate convenience. Impressively, the Kangoo’s seats take cues from Renault’s passenger car lineup—comfortably supportive yet sturdy, suitable for extended hours on the road. The rugged materials, including durable urethane, withstand the hard use delivery vehicles face, adding to the cabin’s longevity.

Cargo space is where the Kangoo E-Tech truly stands out, boasting 2,233mm in loading length and 1,215mm in height. This ample room easily accommodates up to 60 wine crates, and thanks to sliding doors on both sides and a rear door that opens a full 180 degrees, accessibility is a breeze. This design makes loading and unloading remarkably efficient, enhancing productivity for every delivery.

Range and Charging: A Leading Edge in Its Class

While electric vehicles often evoke concerns about range limitations, the Kangoo E-Tech counters this with a best-in-class (amongst the other competitors here) range of up to 300 km, standing out among its competitors in the commercial EV market. During our stint with it, the vehicle delivered closer to 250 km on a single charge—still a solid benchmark, and more importantly, sufficient for a full day’s work, eliminating much of the range anxiety that typically accompanies EV adoption.

Businesses with dedicated depot charging or convenient charging points can seamlessly incorporate the Kangoo E-Tech into their daily routines, with minimal disruptions. The Kangoo E-Tech’s range and urban-focused design make it ideal for fleet operators in our city-state, where shorter, more frequent trips align perfectly with its capabilities and efficiency.

Great for the Right Use Case

Renault’s Kangoo E-Tech delivers on the promise of an urban electric workhorse, offering not only comfort and versatility but also a competitive range that outpaces its rivals. Its class-leading range, paired with a generous and intelligently designed cargo area, positions it as a practical and eco-conscious solution for companies looking to reduce emissions without sacrificing productivity. For fleet managers exploring the shift to EVs, the Kangoo E-Tech is a powerful ally in their transition towards a greener and more sustainable future.

Photos by Chin Hui & James Wong

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