Built for Efficiency and Versatility

This new Trafic E-Tech Electric sits on a ‘skateboard’ style EV platform and introduces Renault’s latest software setup – the SDV (software-defined vehicle) system – developed by their Ampere division. Basically, this means the van can get updates over the air and fleets can customise the tech to suit their needs, which is handy if you’re running a few of these.

Jan Ptacek, who heads up Renault’s commercial vehicles, said the van represents a fresh chapter for electric vans – combining “versatility, range, and game-changing digital technology.”

Game-Changing Fast Charging and Dual-Battery Line-Up

One of the big talking points is the 800-volt ultra-fast charging – a first for Renault. It means you can get from 15% to 80% charge in about 20 minutes using a fast DC charger. Depending on which battery you go for, that could get you between 180 and 260 miles – about enough range to sort you out while you grab a coffee.

There’ll be two battery options:

• Long-range NMC battery with around 280 miles WLTP

• Cheaper LFP battery aimed at city use, coming later, with about 217 miles WLTP

Both batteries will be made in Europe, which fits with Renault wanting to keep things local. The van’s powered by a rear-mounted 150kW motor (about 201bhp), with 345Nm of torque going to the back wheels.

Designed to Work – and Charge – Harder

You’ll be able to get the van in two lengths – L1 and L2 – giving you a load space of either 5.1 m³ or 5.8 m³. Its height stays under 1.9m, so it’s good for multi-storey car parks and low-floored loading bays – useful stuff for city driving.

It can carry up to 1.25 tonnes and tow 2 tonnes (pending final approval), which means it should do the job for most tradies and fleet users after an electric option that isn’t a compromise.

It also comes with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capabilities, so you can run tools off it or even feed energy back into the grid. Electricians, contractors, mobile crews – this might be right up your street.

More specialised versions are on the way too: tippers, flatbeds, chassis cab setups, high-roof Estafettes, and fridge vans.

Digital Cabin, Real-World Use

The tech carries on inside with Renault’s 12-inch openR evo media system. It runs on Android Automotive OS, and it’s been designed with businesses in mind – so things like route planning that considers payload, and satnav that accounts for the van’s size, are all included.

If sustainability matters to you, over 23% of the materials used in the van are recycled. Outside, it features Renault’s sharper new look and their illuminated diamond logo.