Video Summary
The Renault Kangoo ZE33 is reviewed as a new owner's guide.- It's a 2020 model with a 33-kilowatt-hour battery pack under the floor.
- The vans were produced from 2017 to late 2022.
- Earlier vans from 2012 to 2017 had a 22-kilowatt-hour battery, which is the only difference from the newer model.
- It needs to be started with your foot on the brakes, a half-second pause before turning the key as if turning the starter motor.
- Once started, a green light will appear on the dash.
- It drives like an automatic, but the gear shifter is just a switch.
- Regenerative braking means one-pedal driving with strong regen.
- Lift off the accelerator, and the electric motor acts as a dynamo, putting electricity back into the traction battery.
- Look ahead to capitalize on regenerative braking to increase range.
- This electric Kangoo has very strong regenerative braking.
- Minimizing brake pedal use will increase range.
- The instrument cluster has a power meter for efficient driving. You want to keep the needle as low as possible.
- Engaging ECO mode reduces power to the motor and top speed, which assists with economic driving.
- The smaller battery 2012-2017 models have the charging port on the hood.
- The 2017 and newer ZE33 have the charging port in the front grille.
- Vans come with an AC charging cable and a portable charger. A wall charger will charge to 32 amps which is 7 Kilowatts for the 2017 or newer versions. Older models only accept 3.6kw charging.
- If the van is already locked and you unlock it to access the charging port, charging may have been stopped.
- A 12-volt battery, like in a traditional car, is needed to operate the car dash and starting. It sits in the engine bay. The 12v battery is large and can hold a charge for two months while sitting, unlike similar EVs.
- To maintain the charging flap, spray a white grease-based lubricant to the hinges.
