The Renault Kangoo E-Tech Electric EM is a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor integrated into the front axle of the second-generation Kangoo EV. It delivers 90 kW (122 PS) of continuous power and 245 Nm of torque, engineered for urban delivery and light commercial use with zero tailpipe emissions. The motor is paired with a single-speed reduction gearbox and draws energy from a 45 kWh lithium‑ion battery (usable: 41 kWh).
Fitted exclusively to the Kangoo E-Tech Electric (model code EM), this powertrain was developed for fleet and private urban operators prioritizing low running costs, quiet operation, and cargo versatility. Emissions compliance is inherent to its BEV architecture, meeting EU Regulation (EU) 2019/631 CO₂ targets with 0 g/km tailpipe emissions. Regenerative braking provides up to 0.25g of deceleration, enhancing energy recovery in stop-start driving.
One documented concern is premature wear of the reduction gearbox input seal under high-frequency start-stop cycles, highlighted in Renault Service Bulletin RSB‑EV‑2023‑02. This issue stems from thermal cycling and lubricant migration during frequent short trips, leading to minor oil seepage and potential bearing noise. Renault issued a revised seal material and updated lubricant specification from Q3 2023.
All production years 2021–2025 meet EU CO₂ fleet targets with 0 g/km tailpipe emissions (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/BEV/9876).
The Renault Kangoo E-Tech Electric EM motor is a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous unit engineered for light commercial and urban passenger use (2021–2025). It combines high-efficiency electromagnetic design with a single-speed reduction gearbox to deliver instant torque and quiet operation. As a battery electric vehicle (BEV), it produces zero tailpipe emissions and complies fully with EU CO₂ regulations.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Motor type | Permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) | |
| Peak power | 90 kW (122 PS) | |
| Continuous power | 60 kW | |
| Torque | 245 Nm (available from 0 rpm) | |
| Voltage system | 400 V nominal | |
| Gearbox | Single-speed reduction (ratio: 9.35:1) | |
| Cooling system | Liquid-cooled (separate circuit from battery) | |
| Weight (motor + gearbox) | 82 kg | |
| Regenerative braking | Up to 0.25g, adjustable via drive mode | |
| IP rating | IP67 (motor and inverter) | |
| Inverter | Integrated SiC-based power electronics | |
| Emissions | 0 g/km CO₂ (tailpipe) | |
| Battery compatibility | 45 kWh lithium‑ion (usable: 41 kWh) | |
| Mounting | Transverse, front axle | |
| Maintenance interval | Gearbox oil: 120,000 km or 8 years |
The EM motor provides instant torque ideal for urban stop-start driving and light cargo duties, with near-silent operation and minimal mechanical maintenance. The single-speed gearbox requires no clutch or transmission fluid changes, but the reduction gear oil must be replaced at 120,000 km or 8 years to protect bearings. Frequent short trips in cold climates may accelerate input seal wear—post-2023 models use an improved fluoroelastomer seal per RSB‑EV‑2023‑02. Regenerative braking reduces brake wear but should be calibrated during service to maintain pedal feel consistency.
Oil Specs: Requires Renault EV Gear Oil (Part No. 7711498123), replaced every 120,000 km or 8 years (Renault SIB RSB‑EV‑2023‑02).
Emissions: 0 g/km CO₂ tailpipe emissions certified under EU Regulation (EU) 2019/631 (VCA Type Approval #VCA/BEV/9876).
Power Ratings: Peak power measured per UN ECE R85; continuous rating verified under ISO 19453-2 test cycles (Renault TIS Doc. EV‑EM‑110).
Renault Technical Information System (TIS): Docs EV‑EM‑100, EV‑EM‑101, EV‑EM‑102, RSB‑EV‑2023‑02
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/BEV/9876)
EU Regulation (EU) 2019/631 on CO₂ emission performance
The Renault Kangoo E-Tech Electric EM motor is exclusive to the second-generation Kangoo Van and Passenger (model code EM) launched in 2021. This powertrain is not shared with Nissan or other OEMs and is integrated into the CMF‑EV platform with transverse front mounting. From Q3 2023, the revised input seal and updated gearbox lubricant were introduced, creating minor service part interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the motor identification plate on the left side of the motor housing near the inverter (Renault TIS EV‑EM‑150). The VIN 7th digit is 'E' for electric variants. All EM units feature a silver motor casing with integrated inverter and no exhaust or fuel system components. Critical differentiation from ICE Kangoo: absence of engine block, presence of high-voltage orange cables, and 45 kWh battery under cargo floor. Service parts for gearbox seals require production date verification—units before 09/2023 use older seal material incompatible with post-bulletin lubricant (Renault RSB‑EV‑2023‑02).
The Kangoo EM's primary reliability risk is reduction gearbox input seal seepage, with elevated incidence in high-frequency urban delivery cycles. Renault internal field data from 2023 indicated a measurable uptick in minor oil weeping before 60,000 km in fleet vehicles operating in cold climates, while UK DVSA records show no safety-related failures but note increased service visits for bearing noise. Frequent thermal cycling and short trips amplify lubricant migration, making seal material and maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (2021–2025) and UK DVSA BEV service statistics (2022–2025). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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