Renault Kangoo Z.E. (E-Tech) Maxi

Overview

The 2017 Renault Kangoo Z.E. Maxi was a no-nonsense electric workhorse, offering expanded cargo capacity thanks to its longer wheelbase. As the final model year for this particular 22kWh battery iteration, it represented a practical, zero-emission solution for businesses and families needing space over outright pace. Its focus was purely on utility, providing a basic but effective entry into electric mobility. On the used market in Europe, these utilitarian vans can be found for around €6,490, making them an affordable, if somewhat range-limited, option for specific needs within urban environments.

What's New for 2017?

For this specific 22kWh battery variant of the Kangoo Z.E. Maxi, 2017 marked its final year of production before Renault transitioned its Kangoo EV line-up to larger battery options. Therefore, this model represents the culmination of its generation, carrying forward the established features without major overhauls for this particular configuration. While other Kangoo Z.E. versions began receiving battery upgrades in 2017, this Maxi trim with the 21 kWh usable battery soldiered on, offering a familiar package for those whose range needs aligned with its capabilities. It was more a farewell edition than a feature-packed update.

Design & Exterior

The Kangoo Z.E. Maxi sports a classic van silhouette, prioritising function over flair – it’s all about maximising interior volume. Its extended length of 4597 mm, width of 1829 mm (excluding mirrors), and height of 1802 mm translate directly into practicality. The Maxi trim benefits from a longer wheelbase, evident in its profile, and typically features useful sliding side doors for easy access. Up front, the design is simple and unassuming, with the charging port neatly integrated. It's built to be a durable, dependable box on wheels, not a style icon.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside the Kangoo Z.E. Maxi, it's a world of hard-wearing plastics and straightforward utility, designed to withstand the rigours of daily work or family life. With seating for five, the Maxi's longer body offers decent passenger room. Cargo is where it truly shines: a massive 1300 litres in the boot expands to an enormous 3400 litres with the rear seats folded flat. No frunk is available. Tech is basic; expect a simple radio/CD player as standard, though some models might feature Renault's R-Link infotainment, but don't bank on modern smartphone integration.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't expect to win any traffic light grands prix in the Kangoo Z.E. Maxi; its 0-100 km/h amble takes a leisurely 22.4 seconds. The single front-wheel-drive EESM motor delivers 44 kW of power and a useful 225 Nm of torque, which is fine for city schlepping. Top speed is capped at 130 km/h. The driving experience is geared towards urban utility: it's quiet, smooth, and easy to manoeuvre, but performance is modest. Regenerative braking helps to claw back a little energy, though it’s not overly aggressive. It’s a tool, not a toy.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Kangoo Z.E. Maxi features a 21 kWh usable battery pack, providing a real-world range estimated by Green Cars Compare at around 128 km – strictly for urban adventures. Energy consumption is a respectable 6.1 km/kWh. Charging is AC-only for this model via its Type 1 (J1772) port; a full top-up using the standard 3.5 kW on-board charger will take roughly 6-7 hours from empty. There's no DC fast charging capability specified, so plan your journeys accordingly. This van is best suited to predictable routes with overnight charging.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety kit in the 2017 Kangoo Z.E. Maxi is pretty basic, reflecting its age and utilitarian focus. While a specific Euro NCAP rating for this EV variant isn't readily available from the provided data, commercial vans of this era typically didn't score top marks. Standard features would include essentials like ABS, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and airbags. Don't expect sophisticated driver-assistance systems; features like parking sensors might have been optional extras, but advanced tech like adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assist weren't part of its repertoire. It’s old-school safety.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

When new, Renault typically offered a basic vehicle warranty of around 3 years or 100,000 km in Europe for the Kangoo Z.E. The crucial battery warranty for this 22 kWh unit was often around 5 years or 100,000 km, guaranteeing a certain percentage of original capacity (e.g., 66-70%). Powertrain coverage usually mirrored one of these. As an EV, maintenance is generally simpler and cheaper than its combustion counterparts, with fewer moving parts to worry about. However, given its age, any remaining warranty coverage would now be expired on a 2017 model.