New: Renault Kangoo Rapid Electric, Mercedes eCitan, Nissan Townstar EV: For all cases

The Kangoo has been a driving family legend since the late 1990s, so it already has a few more years on the odometer than the other two twins from Mercedes (eCitan / EQT) and Nissan (Townstar EV). For the first time, it is now also available as a variable electric version, which makes it a real alternative to small trucks with combustion engines. All three are practical, but the stately prices of the high-roof station wagons should make some potential commercial customers swallow. Anyone who thinks of a high-roof station wagon usually sees a Renault Kangoo in their mind’s eye. Based on a popular 1990s ad, maybe even one that gets a rhino emotionally flushed. The basic design and genes of the Kangoo have remained largely unchanged for decades, because it is practical, variable and accompanies the family in its highly varied development with powerful sliding doors and countless shelves. But not only the price-conscious family with at least two children likes the high-built French ski boot, but also craftsmen, because the commercial vehicle version is at least as popular with tradespeople. In contrast to the passenger car variant, the previous version of the Rapid was already available as an electric version.

Craftsmen, courier services and families with children can now look forward to the new edition, because just like the sister models Mercedes eCitan / EQT and Nissan Townstar EV, the high-roof model from France is perfect for an electric drive, as top speed, long ranges and luxury equipment are not worth mentioning Play a role, because the high-roof station wagons should be one thing above all: practical. Therefore, obvious disadvantages such as a manageable range of 285 kilometers or a top speed of 130 km/h, which is too narrow, hardly matter when it comes to the decision to buy or lease. Even with electric drive, the Renault Kangoo is one you can rely on. Open the doors, load in and at the weekend, the Frenchman, like its two sister models from Mercedes and Nissan, is a practical vehicle for hobbies and families.

The 4.49 meter long Renault Kangoo Rapid E-Tech Electric is perfect for the city and urban environment, and here the electric motor on the front axle with its 90 kW / 122 PS / 245 Nm torque is always sufficient. Admittedly, the maximum 132 km/h is thin, but since the van is primarily used in the vicinity of the city, the limited top speed shouldn’t bother us the fact that it gets sluggish from 110 km/h. This applies more than ever in Eco mode, when instead of 122 only 75 hp are provided to maximize the range. However, if you do your day’s work alone in the city, you can make solid progress with the three recuperation levels without becoming a traffic obstacle. In contrast to the normal Kangoo with a combustion engine, the driver feels the heavier weight of a mighty 1.8 tons, the tight cushioning of the damping, especially on the front axle, and the very smooth and quite callous steering. On the other hand, people are happy to do without manual switching operations and are happy about the two displays with seven and eight inch diagonals. It looks a little different with the Mercedes eCitan / EQT, because here there are still old analogue clocks and only a manageably large touchscreen in the middle.

This rather large-pixel screen offers information about the navigation map, sound system and comfort functions, while your own smartphone is clipped in next to it – fits. Practical, clear, Kangoo Rapid. The space available is also more than decent in the initially available version with a normal wheelbase. The XL variant, which is 25 centimeters longer, will follow at the brand trio at the end of the year. Unfortunately, the lithium-ion battery in the underbody eats up a lot of space, so that tall people have to sit in the second row with bent legs, or the loading capacity is slightly restricted. With a normal wheelbase, the compact panel vans offer up to 3.3 cubic meters of loading volume or around 540 kilograms of payload; Depending on the model, the subsequent long version has a capacity of up to 4.9 cubic meters and up to 720 kilograms – enough for two Euro pallets. If that’s not enough, the three-pack offers 1.5 tons of towing capacity.

Their 45 kWh battery in the underbody is sufficient for almost 300 kilometers, depending on the area of ​​application. More than this moderate range for a vehicle of the year 2023, the untimely charging speed is annoying, because a maximum of 80 kW can hardly be described as fast charging if you are traveling longer distances and have to top up. 11 kW charging power alone is also standard. 22 kW and 80 kW fast charging are only available for a surcharge, which is likely to bother tradespeople who want to recharge between customer appointments. After all, the power connection is within easy reach at the front of the radiator grille behind the respective brand signet. As practical as the Renault Kangoo Rapid Electric is, potential customers have to get used to one thing, just like with all other electric cars: the handsome price. Because even the moderately equipped basic model costs at least 33,990 euros (each net). The Mercedes eCitan starts at 36,000 euros and the Nissan Townstar EV also at just under 34,000 euros. For all models, you should opt for the higher equipment variants, which offer, among other things, 22 kW / 80 kW charging options, heated windscreen, steering wheel heating as well as adaptive cruise control, a multimedia system and parking assistance.