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The New Renault Master E-Tech: A futureproofed aerovan?
The long-awaited next generation of the Renault Master has arrived, and it seems like it's here for the long haul.
In recent years, Renault have found increasing success in the LCV (light commercial vehicle) market, and as Stellantis work through renewals across their commercial line-up, the Master has finally reached the front of the queue.
The French manufacturer debuted an all-electric line-up at this year's Commercial Vehicle Show, showing off vans including the Trafic E-Tech, and the award-winning Kangoo E-Tech. But despite this acclaimed company, all eyes were on their largest LCV, the fully-electric Renault Master E-Tech edition.
A fresh coat of paint
Available from September 2024, the new Master sports a polished look, which fits in among its smaller companions, donning Renault’s new updated badge and bow-shaped headlights. This doesn’t mean you can’t stand out though, as this heavy load-lugger is available in seven colours and an impressive 300 special hues — so there should be something to match almost any brand colours.
The overhaul goes further than skin-deep, with Renault designing the Master E-Tech to “go further, carry more and cost less” — ambitious targets for any EV, has Renault succeeded?
Image credit: Renault
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Has the “aerovan” gone further?
Let’s start with “go further”. Given the futuristic title of “aerovan”, Renault has adjusted the bonnet and windscreen position to create a more aerodynamic design, also reshaping the front bumper, intakes, and wingmirrors to let air slide right on by. This has enhanced the efficiency of Master by an impressive 20% over the previous edition, which has been on the market since 2010.
Combine this slippery exterior with its 105 kw motor and 87 kwh battery, and the E-Tech will have a stellar range of up to 285 miles. That is a full 80 miles further than the new Ford e-Transit Custom’s range target, and almost exactly double the electric Vauxhall Vivaro Life’s 143-mile range.
Despite the increased range, charge times are nothing too painful. The standard 130 kw fast charger can add 142 miles of range in 30 minutes, while the 22 kw home charging setup can take you from 10-100% in four hours.
There is also a handy socket in the rear loading bay which can give your tools up to 3.5 kw — powering your tool station all day long!
Fear not ICE fans, as diesel powertrains will also be available for the Master, however this LCV has clearly been built with the future in mind, and many will be exited to hear that the model can also accommodate a hydrogen powertrain — available in the not-so-distant future.
Can the "aerovan” carry more?
Next up, “carry more”. Out of the twenty body and wheelbase configurations, the most load focussed has a best-in-class payload capacity of 1,625 kg. This again one-ups its electric rivals, easily out-muscling the E-Transit Custom and Vivaro Lifes’ respective 1,100 kg and 1,226 kg payloads. We’ll give the E-Tech a tick in this box as well then.
Ready to transport this considerable cargo all year round, it looks like Renault have opted to launch the new Master on Goodyear Vector 4Seasons tyres, suitable for all weather conditions.
What about cost?
Then we have “cost less”. Now, of course with improved efficiency both across the E-Tech and even the diesel powertrain options, which have been designed to sip their fuel more sustainably, reduced running costs should follow. However, with the Master’s pricing not yet announced, we think it’s best to wait and see before we give Renault full pass marks here.
Image credit: Renault
A cabin designed to last
Good news for anyone considering the new Master as their daily driver; the forward-thinking approach makes it as far as the interior. The cabin is no longer the basic offering from the previous model, with the 10-inch touchscreen built into the wrap-around dashboard giving access to Renault’s OpenR Link infotainment system as standard.
As well as access to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which we have become accustomed to, Google features can also be added in for the first time in a Renault LCV. Thus, providing techy goodies including built in Maps navigation and a voice-activated assistant.
Renault has kept one eye on future in here as well, with free over-the-air updates being offered for at least five years, bringing new functionality along with them.
So, it seems like Renault is out to bring the fight to its competition now, and for years to come with the future-proofed Master E-Tech — could this “aerovan” tempt you over to an electric fleet?
Hero image credit: Renault