Renault introduces hydrogen into its commercial vehicles with the Kangoo Z.E. Hydrogen and the Master Z.E. Hydrogen

Little by little we are seeing brands with commercial vehicles in their range update them towards the world of zero emissions. An example of this is Renault, which has offered the Kangoo Z.E. and the Master Z.E. since 2017 as electric options for its commercial vehicles. Precisely with these models, and in an effort to offer professionals a more varied range, Renault introduces the respective hydrogen variants.

As you all know, the range of hydrogen-powered vehicles is not extensive today, and they are generally models with a high purchase cost. However, it is also worth saying that more and more brands see hydrogen vehicles as a real and coherent alternative to conventional 100% electric vehicles. Hydrogen vehicles are, moreover, perhaps the most coherent alternative to combustion and electric vehicles for the industrial sector, since they not only offer greater range, but their refuelling time is practically similar to filling up with petrol or diesel, which is very important in a world where time is money.

Renault Kangoo Z.E. Hydrogen

The small French van has already had an electric version for some time, and it will now be joined by its respective hydrogen version, which will also be manufactured at the company’s plant in Maubeuge. It features a 74-litre hydrogen tank that will be stored at 300 or 700 bar, a figure that will vary depending on the countries where it is sold.

According to Renault, the Kangoo Z.E. Hydrogen will have the best range on the market among electric vans. Pending WLTP homologation, the Kangoo Z.E. Hydrogen achieves a range of 370 km despite the 110 kg it adds in weight, a significant increase in range compared with its battery-electric sister, which reaches up to 230 km.

The Renault Kangoo Z.E. Hydrogen has an effective load volume of 3.9 m3, with a price in France that the brand has announced at 48,300 euros before taxes and government aid, although this figure includes the purchase of the battery.

Renault Master Z.E. Hydrogen

The new Renault Master was presented last spring and sales began in September, including its electric version, while the new Master Z.E. Hydrogen will reach the market at some point in the first half of 2020, at a price the brand has not yet revealed. For greater versatility for professionals, the Master Z.E. Hydrogen will be sold in two lengths and two heights, and it will also offer two panel van versions and two chassis-cab versions.

The Renault Master Z.E. Hydrogen has two 53-litre hydrogen tanks, giving a total of 106 litres, stored at the same pressure as its smaller sister. But where we will undoubtedly find a major advance in range is in this Master Z.E. Hydrogen: although it does not yet have WLTP homologation, its range has been set at 350 km, almost triple the range of its 100% electric version, which only reaches 120 km.

Finally, it should be said that, for both models, the hydrogen fuel cell will allow the cabin to be heated on cold days thanks to the heat it gives off, all without losing range, even in extremely cold conditions.