Van and Commercial Vehicle Awards 2025: Best Small Electric van

Priced from £29,850 (Excl. VAT) Range 186 miles (WLTP) CO2 emissions 0g/km Load space 3.3–4.2m3 Payload 764kg Power 118bhp Torque 181lb ft

When the all-new Renault Kangoo was launched, it set a new bar in the small van sector for driving excellence, with the van’s handling and ride quality more akin to that of a passenger car.

Renault has capitalised on its experience of producing an efficient, small electric van since 2012 with the latest version, the Renault Kangoo E-Tech. Offering a driving range of up to 186 miles from the 45kWh battery, the 121bhp electric motor provides peppy performance even when the van carries its full payload of up to 764kg. Its towing capacity of 1500kg is exemplary, too.

The van is available in two lengths, providing a load length of 2230mm and a volume of 4.2 cubic metres in the longer version.

While the two trim levels have provided a good level of standard equipment from launch, Renault upgraded the Kangoo E-Tech in 2024 with additional tech in every van. In addition to the existing air conditioning, cruise control and 8.0in colour touchscreen with smartphone integration, there’s now a rear parking camera, electric parking brake, and 4.2in colour screen in the instrument panel.

There are additional airbags, too, and safety features have been upgraded. The higher trim level now gains blind spot monitoring and 360-degree parking sensors. These changes coincided with substantial reductions in list prices, making the van ultra-competitive in its segment.

The cab environment is functional and the seats comfortable (although the optional bench seat providing accommodation for a third occupant might make things a little too cosy). The Kangoo provides an excellent driving experience — only bettered by the Kangoo-based Mercedes Citan — with light steering, and the van can easily and confidently cope with challenging corners when pushed hard.

It’s not just about the performance provided by the electric motor; the designers have managed to eliminate the majority of noise and vibration that might make its way into the cab, too.

The small van market has been dominated by competitors from the Stellantis group like the Citroen e-Berlingo and Peugeot e-Partner, and whilst the Kangoo E-Tech isn’t necessarily class-leading in every respect, the package as a whole makes it a compelling option for green-minded businesses.

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