Groupe Renault already boasts a line-up of electrified light commercial vehicles but has also announced that it will offer a hydrogen-electric variant by the end of 2019.
The hydrogen technology has been in development since 2014 and will be available on its Kangoo Z.E and Master Z.E models. The fuel cells will be able to provide three-times more range than fully electric vehicles, plus have the benefit of a charging time of only five to 10 minutes.
The vehicles are equipped with a range extender fuel cell providing electric and thermal power of 10kW, increasing the range of Renault Master Z.E. Hydrogen and Renault Kangoo Z.E. Hydrogen to over 350km. Renault claims the Kangoo will boast the best real-life range of any electric van on the market.
The vehicles will have hydrogen tanks located under the body, and operate with a fuel cell that combines hydrogen with oxygen to produce electricity to power the motor. The environmental benefit aims to meet the challenges of urban mobility, particularly applied to light commercial vehicles, which are heavily required in large urban areas. Where fully electric will suffer from slower charging times, hydrogen offers top-ups similar to typical fuel speeds, so vehicles will not have long downtime periods.
“Groupe Renault completes its range of electric light commercial vehicles with the launch of Renault Master Z.E. Hydrogen and Renault Kangoo Z.E. Hydrogen. These vehicles provide professionals with all the range they require for their long-distance journeys as well as record charging times. And the advantages do not stop there, as Renault Master Z.E. Hydrogen and Renault Kangoo Z.E. Hydrogen can run on decarbonized energy that respects the environment while offering all the comfort of electric driving,” said Denis Le Vot, Alliance SVP, Renault-Nissan LCV Business Unit.
