Via the innovative scheme, which Leeds City Council has launched in partnership with Highways England, West Yorkshire businesses and organisations are able to enjoy a completely free trial of electric vans, including one of 20 Renault Kangoo Z.E.33 for up to two months. Each van will be equipped with telematics devices, which gather journey and charging data, with users receiving a tailored report highlighting the findings and the environmental and potential financial benefits that transitioning to an electric vehicle can generate for their business or organisation. The Renault Kangoo Z.E. will make up nearly half of the 50 electric vans and cars that are available to trial.
As well as their environmental compatibility, Leeds City Council opted for the Renault Kangoo Z.E.33 due to its compact yet versatile dimensions, competitive price and travel range of 143 miles (WLTP). Availability was another key factor, Renault being able to deliver the order within the timescales required and with no supply issues. The all-electric vans replace several older, less efficient vehicles, with others being added due to the growth and scope of Leeds City Council services.
The addition of the Renault Kangoo Z.E.33 to Leeds City Council’s working fleet will boost the amount of all-electric vehicles it uses in the upkeep of the region to over 330.
The change to a more efficient fleet is a core part of the Council’s climate emergency strategy, where it aims to lead by example by introducing such actions as purchasing all its electricity from renewable resources, replacing gas with waste powered district heating in its city centre buildings and undertaking extensive tree planting on its own land.
The Renault Kangoo Z.E.33. have been supplied in the business trim level. Features include pre-heating, cruise control and speed limiter, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, electronic stability control (ESC), hill start assist, Bluetooth, USB socket and DAB radio. Flexible charging options include the ability to recharge 20 miles of driving range in one hour.
Leeds City Council will charge its new vehicles via its existing charge points and is also in the process of procuring a new charging infrastructure.
Councillor James Lewis, Deputy Leader at Leeds City Council, said: “Leeds City Council already operate more electric vehicles than any other local authority and we are a proud signatory of the Clean Van Commitment. Not only are zero emission vans better for the environment and air that our communities breathe, but they are also cheaper to run and maintain than traditional vehicles. We know that switching to electric vehicles feels like it would be a leap in the dark for some, so we’re looking forward to sharing the benefits of these vans free of charge with businesses and charities across West Yorkshire as part of our EV Trials scheme.” (See also link below).
The van is available in three body styles: panel van, maxi panel van and crew cab van) the Renault Kangoo is powered by a 33bhp motor with 225Nm of torque and mated to a single-speed transmission. Renault has been manufacturing its Z.E. range of electric commercial vehicles since 2011. The Renault line-up also comprises the Renault Master Z.E., available as a panel van or platform cab said to be suited for last-mile deliveries.