Recently we have blogged a lot about commercial vans that run on alternative fuels and today, in keeping with the current theme, we are again thinking about those vans that are running on different fuels.

Renault Revolution

Last week we explained how electric vans were undergoing trials in Germany and that they were performing very well indeed. However, my concern was whether they would suit the everyday van drivers schedule as they have a limited range.

Well, it seems that Renault have been hard at work in pushing out their new electric powered Kangoo ZE. It is due to roll out on our streets in the North East this week.

Benfield Renault, in Newcastle, was chosen by the French manufacturer to be the number one retailer and supplier of the groundbreaking electric vehicle.

Hopes are High

They are hopeful that the electric van will sell well amongst small to medium sized businesses, and they are also hoping, in particular, that tradesman, such as plumbers for example, will be interested in the light commercial vehicle.

Of course, the government is now also offering a subsidy of up to 20% on the price, and Renault are also confident that other factors, including the relatively cheap running of the vehicle, lower tax and a pretty reasonable van insurance quote, will further attract potential customers.

History of Great Vans

Furthermore, we know Renault make great vans and the Kangoo has already won the prize for the 2012 Van of the Year, so we have no doubts that the electric Kangoo will sell well and become a regular appearance on our streets in future years.

Mark Squires, Chief Executive at Benfield, is looking forward to getting the Kangoo ZE on the streets: “This is fantastic news for Benfield Renault and our customers. As a family-owned business, we are delighted to be at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution, and to be chosen to retail the first commercially available electric van to hit Newcastle is very exciting and a piece of history in the making.”

Meanwhile, UK Managing Director, Thierry Sybord, has been saying: “I’m delighted to see Benfield embracing this new era of electric transport.” All at Renault are unsurprisingly very excited to see the Kangoo ZE finally being offered to customers.