Renault U.K. Rolls Out First Electric Vehicle

Renault U.K. claims a major milestone with the delivery of its first electric vehicle, the Kangoo Van Z.E., to arrive in the British Isles.

The French auto maker has nearly two dozen dealers who are EV experts and will offer the Kangoo Van Z.E. It is priced just under £17,000 ($26,633), plus a separate monthly battery-rental fee starting at about £60 ($94).

“From a daring concept to a striking reality, we’re thrilled to see the fruition of years of work on our Z.E. range begin with Renault’s Kangoo Van Z.E.,” Ian Plummer, Renault U.K. director-commercial operations, says in a statement.

“Several well-known U.K. companies have already ordered (the) Kangoo Van Z.E. for their fleet requirements, so we’re sure many private customers will join…in reaping the rewards of lower-cost and greener electric motoring.”

Plummer says 21 showrooms have facilities to showcase the Kangoo Van Z.E. and forthcoming Fluence Z.E., Twizy and Zoe passenger cars in 2012.