TRANSPORT EVOLVED PANEL NEWS: DECEMBER 24, 2013, EP. 179. OH CHRISTMAS TREE

EV Channels Review

This episode of Transport Evolved features a pre-Christmas special, venturing into the Cotswolds in a Renault Kangoo ZE van to pick up a Christmas tree, with assistance from Robert Llewellyn. The review highlights the van's practicality for business use, particularly for those operating within urban areas or covering modest daily distances (under 50 miles). Its tight turning circle and versatile interior, including a fold-down passenger seat for larger loads, are praised. However, the primary criticism centers on its 16-amp charging capability, which is deemed insufficient for users outside major cities, leading to long charging times (7.5 hours for a full charge) and requiring significant pre-planning. The van's performance is described as adequate for town driving but sluggish on hills, especially in Eco mode. Despite its limitations, the reviewers acknowledge its potential to significantly improve a small business's bottom line due to low running costs and a competitive base price, especially with government grants. The potential for future models with improved charging, like the chameleon charger, is seen as a game-changer.