Renault Trafic E-Tech Electric Van Officially Unveiled with 280-mile Range
The all-new Renault Trafic van has been formally revealed in production form boasting a 280-mile range, a payload capacity of 1250kg and groundbreaking fast-charging capability.
Heralding the fourth generation of the iconic medium van from the French manufacturer, the new Renault Trafic has received a major overhaul for its latest era.
As such, it adopts an innovative new design, while it takes on an entirely fresh platform that has been maximised for electric power.
Renault Master E-Tech - Full Charge Ahead
Primed to be launched in 2026 with electric power only – at least, initially - the Trafic E-Tech as it will be known is available with the choice of two battery units labelled ‘Urban Range’ and ‘Long Range’.
Urban Range is aimed primarily as those working within city limits and are seeking a cheaper alternative to other electric vans. It will do this with the use of lithium iron phosphate technology, which brings the price down but is still capable of a competitive 217-miles of range.
Upgrade to the nickel magnesium cobalt technology incorporated into the battery of the ‘Long Range’ version and the Trafic E-Tech can manage 280-miles of range.
This exceeds the current medium van class standards set by the Volkswagen ID.Buzz Cargo (278 miles) and Farizon SV L1/H1 (234 miles).
Of particular interest, however, is the Trafic E-Tech’s 800V fast-charging technology which claims to go from 15 to 80 per cent (160 miles) in just 20 minutes, reducing the need for downtime.
Spacious and Flexible
The Renault Trafic E-Tech sits on a brand-new modular ‘skateboard’ platform developed by Ampere that is set to form the basis for a new range of electric light commercial vehicles, as well as a sister model from new Dutch commercial manufacturer, Flexis.
As part of the development process, the Renault Trafic E-Tech has been designed to limit the compromise that often occurs from the packaging of electric powertrains.
As such, the Trafic E-Tech – which will be offered in L1 and L2 specification – offers a load capacity of 5.1 cubic metres for the former at an overall length of 4.87m, while the latter is 5.27m with a load bay of 5.8 cubic metres.
Payload capacity is 1250kg and towing capacity is 2000kg, while the location of the battery under the floor means the Trafic has a short front overhang that helps reduce the turning circle to 10.3m (shorter than a Renault Clio).
Futuristic Looks and a Future-Proof Cabin
Statistics aside, the new Renault Trafic E-Tech presents a radically different design inside and out compared with its conventional predecessor.
Having already hinted at the new styling direction with the unveiling of a concept model last year, the final production version of the Trafic E-Tech is notable for being almost entirely unchanged.
With the fresh look dictated by the removal of the engine (in favour of a battery under the floor) to leave the Trafic with a visibly shorter front overhang, the unusual profile is accentuated by some distinctive flourishes, such as the hidden front headlights and Renault logo, which is incorporated into a gloss-black light bar below the windscreen.
Complemented by moulded black-grained bumpers and secondary lighting, the reprofiled front-end is also distinguished by an untypically large, deep front window area. Together with windows built into the A-pillar, it gives the Trafic E-Tech a wraparound glass area stretching from one front door to the other.
The contemporary approach continues inside where the Trafic E-Tech – like the recently-launched Master – has taken clear inspiration from Renault’s HGV range with a functional, high-set fascia that is angled towards the driver and maximises storage space.
Dominating the dashboard is a near-square 12-inch portrait-aspect central screen, plus a 10-inch digital instrument cluster.
Housing a new generation of Renault’s OpenR multimedia system, the Trafic E-Tech has a navigation system specifically designed for commercial vehicles that specialises in avoiding unsuitable roads, considering the vehicle’s size or load. It also has a driver identification feature that is designed for fleets that might have multiple people using the vehicle.
It will also come with a central cloud-connected software with Google built-in, which allows the Trafic E-Tech to be updated as and when they are made available by Renault.
The 2026 Renault Trafic E-Tech is due to go on sale in 2026 but is being revealed in production form for the first time at the Solutrans event in Lyon.
