On behalf of her Foundation, Dame Ellen MacArthur has just taken proud delivery of one of the first 100% electric Kangoo Van Z.E.s in the country, presented by Renault UK Managing Director, Thierry Sybord, at the marque’s largest UK showroom in West London.
The French manufacturer has a long-standing relationship with the record-breaking solo yachtswoman dating back over ten years, and in 2010 Renault also became one of the founding partners of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
The electric-powered current International Van of the Year will be used by Dame Ellen as she circumnavigates the Isle of Wight carrying out work for her charity, which is aimed at engaging the worlds of education and business to inspire people to re-think, re-design and build a positive future. Her shiny black five-seat Crew Van replaces her current trusty workhorse, a rare, previous generation electric Kangoo van which has provided sterling and reliable service in recent years, which will now see out its days as part of Renault’s heritage collection housed in Flins, France.
Dame Ellen, who recently toured the Kangoo Van Z.E. Maubeuge factory in France, with Renault’s Chief Operative Officer, Carlos Tavares, praised Renault’s commitment to the circular economy, which includes the development of affordable electric vehicles. She said, “This is a decisive step towards a viable, long-term economic model. We are working together to encourage the younger generation to seize the formidable opportunity it has to build a positive future.”
Carlos Tavares added: “Together, we believe that protecting the environment only makes sense if it involves the vast majority of people. This in turn calls for a real commitment from businesses to propose clean, yet affordable, innovations. It is core to the idea of the circular economy, dear to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, which Renault has fully and enthusiastically supported from the start. We are convinced that Kangoo Z.E. has the wind in its sails.”
On 27 January, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation presented The McKinsey Report from Davos, ‘Towards the circular economy: Economic and business rationale for an accelerated transition.’ The report, which presents the basis of an economy in which today’s goods become tomorrow’s resources, was actively supported by Renault, a manufacturer committed to sustainable mobility for all.
The Kangoo Van Z.E. range is available in the UK from £16,990 on-the-road excluding VAT, with monthly battery hire from £60 (based on 6,000 miles per year, 3 year contract). Following the recent Government announcement that the electric vehicle grant is shortly to be extended to include vans, offering up to 20% off of a vehicle’s purchase price, customers will soon to be able to buy the standard version for as little as £16,960 including VAT. Leasing rates are available from £424.59 per month with battery life guarantee.
Like the rest of the current Renault range from February 2012, Kangoo Van Z.E. versions are eligible for its competitive 4+ customer care package. The new incentive gives all new retail and local business customers a comprehensive four year/100,000 mile warranty, four years/48,000 miles free routine servicing, four years roadside cover and four years finance (HP, lease or PCP subject to status).