On the eve of New Zealand’s biggest electric vehicle show, Renault New Zealand has confirmed plans to expand its local range of its electric vehicles to meet increasing demand and interest.
Renault New Zealand General Manager, Henry Belt confirmed the company will be at the EVworld NZ this weekend where it will announce plans to expand its range of EVs to include the large Master van range, which will join the current line-up including the smaller Kangoo van and the Zoe hatch.
At EVworld NZ, Renault will show off the latest Kangoo Maxi Z.E. 33 EV for the first time on local shores, currently the only full electric small van available new in New Zealand.
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Renault Kangoo Maxi Z.E. 33 EV. Photo / Renault
Renault say the electric Kangoo retains all the load space and functionality of its petrol and diesel equivalents, but the latest model features a new motor and larger battery giving it a real-world range of up to 200km on a single charge. Dual sliding doors, a revolving passenger bulkhead and lay-flat passenger seat all make the most of the Kangoo’s load space, allowing items up to 2.9 metres long to be carried.
Belt said the company expects the medium-large full electirc Master Z.E van to join the line-up in 2019. The 2019 Master Z.E will feature a new motor and battery and an increased payload with 8-13 cubic metres of load space.
Also on show will be the new Zoe Z.E. 40 Intens model. The updated hatch has a 41kW/hr battery giving a range of up to 300km thanks to a 22kW on-board charger for regenerative braking, heat-pump style reverse air conditioning and Michelin ‘Energy’ tyres that maximise range by reducing rolling resistance.
Renault is also bringing its unique Twizy quadricycle, described as a 'personal mobility statement vehicle' intended to show what is possible in the EV market.
(Left to right) Renault Twizy, Zoe, Kangoo and Master EVs. Photo / Renault
"The interest in electric vehicles has been phenomenal, and we’re looking forward to talking to people about our current EVs and what Renault NZ have coming in the next few years,” said Belt.
“We have seen a massive growth in the market for EVs and it’s a new and exciting direction for all manufacturers – our team at EV World is very much looking forward to meeting prospective new customers and showing our current vehicle range.”
