Renault Kangoo Z.E

Just the job, this! A raft of tax breaks for businesses running electric vans will give a useful jump start to the Kangoo ZE when it’s launched summer 2011.

Based on the regular van and to be built alongside it in France, the electric version will make 59bhp – good for a top speed of 80mph.

Citroen has been here before with a battery version of the Berlingo, but with the increased range (100 miles says Renault) from the more advanced lithium ion batteries should sway those businesses put off by the Citroen’s range problems.

With the batteries under the boot floor, Renault reckons there will be absolutely no difference in load capacity. And although power is down on the diesel, the useful 226NM torque figure is available at zero rpm for rapid getaways, even when loaded.