Renault UK has reached a major milestone in its history with the delivery of its first electric vehicle, a Kangoo Van Z.E.
Accepting the keys recently at Milton Keynes dealership Marshall Renault, one of the first wave of Renault’s twenty-one-strong Z.E. Expert dealers, printer Patrick Chard, is now enjoying cruising around silently and with zero-emissions in road use in the first model from the French marque’s electric vehicle range to reach our shores.
Renault’s first electric vehicle to hit UK streets is the eagerly-anticipated Kangoo Van Z.E. Already the recipient of two high-profile awards within a matter of weeks, including International Van of the Year 2012 and What Van? magazine’s ‘Van of the Year’, it is the world’s first electric van produced by a mass market manufacturer. Unlike its rivals costing over twice as much, it’s also affordable, from just under £17,000, plus a separate monthly battery hire fee from around £60.
Ian Plummer, Director of Commercial Operations Renault UK, joined Marshall’s dealer principal and Z.E. sales specialist, in handing over the keys, together with a bottle of champagne and commemorative glass gift to mark the special occasion. He said, “Renault has always been committed to reducing the carbon emissions of its vehicles, so to produce a range of zero-emission electric vehicles is incredibly exciting.
“From a daring concept to a striking reality, we’re thrilled to see the fruition of years of work on our Z.E. range begin with Renault’s Kangoo Van Z.E. on sale at Marshall Milton Keynes and the other ground-breaking sites. Several well-known UK companies have already ordered Kangoo Van Z.E. for their fleet requirements, so we’re sure many private customers will join Mr Chard in reaping the rewards of lower-cost and greener electric motoring.”