Renault reveals all-new Trafic Van E-Tech with 800V platform

Renault has pulled the covers off the first member of its new generation of compact all-electric commercial vehicles, in doing so, has also brought a longstanding nameplate into a new electric era.

Building off the success of three generations of the Renault Trafic, the all-new Renault Trafic Van E-Tech now promises business-owners and delivery fleet operators an emissions-free runabout that isn't just modern and zippy, but also continues to deliver strongly in terms of practicality.

The Trafic Van E-Tech takes the Trafic nameplate into a new electric era, marking its fourth official generation

Don't expect a new combustion-powered variant any time soon, by the way. While Renault has committed to continued production of the existing combustion-powered Trafic, it has also officially heralded this as the fourth-generation Trafic.

Key to the Trafic Van E-Tech's setup, of course, is its bespoke electric 'skateboard' platform, developed by Renault subsidiary, Ampere.

Renault states that the platform was designed to optimise load capacity in relation to the vehicle's powertrain footprint, with short front overhangs and a rear-mounted powertrain. The benefit of this? The Trafic Van E-Tech boasts a turning radius of just 10.3 metres – as tiny as that of the subcompact Renault Clio.

As mentioned, however, this cutting-edge new platform also aims to allay the concerns of those who need to spend hours on the road with the Trafic Van E-Tech. For starters, two battery options will be availed to buyers: A standard range item (or 'urban range' in Renault-speak) and a long range one.

An 800V Ampere-developed platform underpins the Trafic Van E-Tech, giving it fast charging capabilities 

The latter is a higher-capacity NMC battery pack that delivers an impressive WLTP-rated range of 450km, but even the smaller LFP one should easily those who commute primarily in the city, with its WLTP-rated range of 350km. Both support Vehicle-to-Load functionality. Renault has not quoted official capacity figures for either.

Furthermore, thanks to the Trafic Van E-Tech's 800V architecture (a first for Renault), DC fast charging is supported, allowing the batteries to charge from 15 to 80% in just 20 minutes.

Similarly zippy is the Trafic Van E-Tech's performance, thanks to a single motor putting out 150kW and 345Nm of torque. Renault states that with the amount of power on tap, the van has a towing capacity of two tonnes as well as a payload of 1.25 tonnes.

Latest-gen tech aside, the Trafic Van E-Tech is quite the futuristic-looking character too, featuring a slim front light strip bisected by a backlit Renault logo that then leads outwards to two daytime running lights (the main beams are tucked downwards, closer to the bumper).

The Trafic Van E-Tech's futuristic mien comes courtesy of its flat light strip and light signatures up front

Another interesting design quirk here is its visor-like windscreen, which comprises the windscreen itself and two side windows.

Maintaining the configurability expected of light commercial vehicles (LCVs), the Trafic Van E-Tech comes with two body styles out of the box: L1 and L2. The former offers a load capacity of 5,100 litres for a length of 4.87 metres and a width of 1.92 metres, while the latter has an even greater load capacity of 5,800 litres for a length of 5.27 metres, thanks to its 40cm-longer wheelbase.

Handily, the Trafic Van E-Tech's vehicle height has been reduced to just 1,900mm - regardless of body style - to allow it to slip into most car parks.

Futuristic yet functional: A tube-like dashboard livens up the interior with a good spread of digitalisation

And continuing on the inside, Renault describes cockpit of the Trafic Van E-Tech as having a "disruptive design", with most credit due to its hyper-modern, tube-shaped dashboard.

Intriguing to behold, this houses a 10-inch driver's display, as well as a 12-inch central infotainment touchscreen angled ergonomically towards the driver – apparently the largest ever fitted onto a Renault LCV.

The latter features Ampere's in-house designed CAR OS and OpenR multimedia system - which, in turn, are powered by Google's Android Automotive OS – and will support over the air updates to keep it current for drivers and owners.

Renault states that this 12-inch portrait-style infotainment touchscreen is the largest ever fitted to a Renault LCV

Still, if you're concerned that the Trafic Van E-Tech has lost its workhorse identity amidst its futuristic outlook, there's no need to fret.

For starters, Renault has given its seats a hardy-looking fabric upholstery that mixes Zeta blue and grey tones for an airy yet robust look.

Furthermore, storage spaces are plentiful in the cabin. Apart from a properly-sized glovebox, the Trafic Van E-Tech also comes with - deep breath - three cupholders, a document holder under the central screen, three storage areas behind the instrument cluster, two small cubbies flanking the steering wheel, a shelf under the passenger side 'tube', and large doorbins. There's also a secure storage area nestled within the tube-like dashboard and windscreen-base that can swallow items as large as a jacket.

The Trafic Van E-Tech will be built at the Renault Group Sandouville plant, where production of the existing Trafic has thus far taken place and will continue still. Renault estimates that it will be launched to customers in late-2026.