Renault has torn up its own rule book on electric vans and started afresh with a focus on software, range and charging, whilst serving business’ needs by offering more than any van has offered any business so far.
Software Defined Van
Renault says that the Trafic E-Tech is their first software-defined vehicle (SDV), enabling better functionality with the shackles off. It means - for the first time - Renault can remotely update its vans improving software, functionality and potentially enhancing some driving functions, too, as well as enabling significantly more sophisticated remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance, helping businesses to avoid further downtime.
However, Renault is offering much more by enabling onboard software that will allow “businesses to integrate their own apps directly into the vehicle’s systems. Delivery companies, for example, can display schedules, routes and job details on the dashboard, while specialist conversions such as refrigerated vans can use dedicated apps to manage onboard equipment.”
Battery, Range and Charging
Two battery options define the all-new Renault Trafic E-Tech with a choice of a 60 kWh or an 81 kWh battery pack, offering either a 217 mile range or a 292 mile range all-electric van (on the WLTP combined cycle).
Both versions use a 160kW electric motor producing 355 Nm of torque, while a standard-fit heat pump, coupled with an aerodynamic design and efficient battery management system help keep efficiency high and consumption low. In fact, Renault claims their new electric van can deliver up to 3.61 miles per kWh and says that it’s “nearly 30% more efficient than [their] nearest rivals.”
The new Trafic E-Tech is built on 800 V architecture that supports DC charging up to 190kW in the 81kWh version, and up to 160 kW in the 60 kWh version. This translates to an 80% charge in less than 20 minutes, although Renault doesn’t specify the starting point, which could be 10%, 20% or even 30%.
Whilst Renault claims that its currently the only medium-sized electric van in the UK market with 800V electrical architecture, that system hasn’t translated to 350 kW charging rates, for example, which would truly be a game changer in this industry.
However, the good news is that workers who run power tools and specialist equipment can take advantage of the Vehicle-to-load (V2L)* capability. This allows compatible electrical equipment to be powered directly from the van’s high-voltage traction battery, whether that’s running tools on site or powering equipment such as lighting rigs away from the grid. The Trafic E-Tech can supply electricity wherever it’s needed even when there is no power on site.
* This is a standard-fit feature on the Extra trim and optional on the Advance.
Trims, Specs and Equipment
There are two trim levels – advance and extra – and two body lengths, plus a panel van and crew van configuration to offer plenty of choice.
With two body lengths of 4.87 m and 5.27 m, the Trafic E-Tech can offer between 5.1 m3 and 5.8 m3 of load space, with enough space for three Euro pallets. The payload is up to a very usable 1.3 tonnes and it has the ability to tow up to 2 tonnes.
Importantly, at 1.89 m tall the Trafic E-Tech can access many height-restricted car parks, while negotiating tight areas from a tight 10.3-metre turning circle. Renault claims this has the same turning circle as the Clio marking it out as a very manoeuvrable van.
Advanced Trim
The advance models are well specced and receive a 10-inch digital driver display, 12.3-inch openR evo multimedia system with wireless smartphone integration and Google Play Store access, adaptive cruise control, front, rear and side parking sensors, a reversing camera, automatic emergency braking and an electric parking brake with auto-hold. LED adaptive headlights, manual air conditioning, hands-free access and start, and vehicle-to-load capability are also included as standard.
Extra Trim
Extra cranks up equipment levels and adds metallic paint, additional airbags, automatic climate control, enhanced driver’s seat adjustment with lumbar support and armrest, wireless smartphone charging and ‘HERE’ navigation. A mobile office configuration, 230V power sockets and additional load-area equipment that helps to turn the Trafic into a workplace on wheels.
Prices
The good news is that they all qualify for the full ZEV van grant of £5,000 bringing the cost of purchasing down to more palatable levels, and given its specs and range, customers might be looking to save on diesel costs, too, making the Trafic E-Tech a much more desirable option.
Prices correct at time of publication
UK pre-orders for the new Renault Trafic E-Tech electric open on 5th November, with the first deliveries scheduled for Q2 2027.
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About the Author
Graeme Cobb is a lifelong car enthusiast with a passion for writing about cars, EVs, industry updates and more.
You can find Graeme on 𝕏 at @graeme_cobb
