Renault has strengthened its light commercial
vehicle range by launching the hydrogen-powered versions of the Kangoo and
Master. Offered as more versatile solutions to electric vans, they feature
technology developed together with Symbio, a subsidiary of the Michelin Group,
which was tested by Renault since 2014.
The Kangoo Z.E. Hydrogen will launch before the end
of the year, with a starting price of € 48,300 (US$ 53,883) in France, excluding
tax, and a load volume of 3.9 cubic meters. The WLTP
certification is underway, but Renault estimates that it will have a range of
around 370 km.
Pricing for the larger Master Z.E. Hydrogen has yet
to be disclosed, yet it will be offered in both van and chassis cab body
styles. It has a load volume that varies between 10.8 and 20 cubic meters, and two hydrogen tanks located in the body that will give
it a range of 350 km, as per the automaker’s estimates.
Depending on the hydrogen tank capacity, filling it
up will take between 5 and 10 minutes, and the vehicles emit nothing more than
water vapors. “These vehicles provide professionals with all the range they require
for their long-distance journeys, as well as record charging times”, said
senior vice president Denis Le Vot. “And the advantages do not stop here, as
Renault Master Z.E. Hydrogen and Renault Kangoo Z.E. Hydrogen run on
decarbonized energy that respects the environment, while offering all the
comfort of electric driving.”
