The new Renault Trafic E-Tech finally gets full reveal

The new Renault Trafic E-Tech has been fully revealed, showcasing a dedicated EV platform and complete design rethink.

After teasing us with a preview in Birmingham earlier this year, Renault has finally pulled the wraps off the new production version of its all-electric Trafic E-Tech van. Packed with functional updates, this is far more than just a battery bolted onto an existing shell. It’s a complete rethinking of the iconic French van, and a complete rebuild for the electric model, which now sits upon an entirely different platform than its ICE variants.

So, what details have now been released?

An urban specialist?

Going from a car, we reckon the biggest headache with vans might be navigating tight city streets or, even worse, finding suitable parking spots. So, our ears perked up when we heard that the Trafic E-Tech has been built on a new all-electric 'skateboard' platform specifically designed to counter these concerns.

One of the most impressive features is the van's agility, boasting a turning circle that is practically the same as a Clio ( the latest version of which we spotted in Munich), at just 10.3 m. We hope this will make short work of any tricky U-turns and delivery spots, while the minimal front overhang should ensure you can sneak into spaces other vans might struggle with.

And — guaranteeing access to most garages and car parks — the van’s overall height has been reduced to 1.90 metres. Combine this with the L1 body style (4.87 m long) and you’ll get 5.1 m³ of load capacity, or the larger L2 option (5.27 m) to increase that to 5.8 m³. And yes, it comes with doors capable of loading Euro pallets from the side or rear — shaping up to be manoeuvrable, functional, and convenient.

Plugging in

But, with the Trafic E-Tech’s all-electric focus, is the powertrain up to the job? Well, packing a 150-kw motor with a strong 345 Nm of torque, it looks set to deliver.

There is a choice of two battery setups. The first is an urban-range battery delivering almost 220 miles of range, and for those covering longer distances, the second is a larger option, pushing the maximum range up to almost 280 miles.

And when it’s time to recharge, thanks to some new 800-volt fast-charging technology, the van can recover 260 km of range in about 20 minutes. Just about enough time for a lunch break cuppa…

On the utility side, the Trafic comes with V2X (Vehicle-to-everything) functionality. This combines V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) to charge external appliances through a port in the cab, and V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) to feed energy from the battery to the grid.

What’s the cabin like?

Step inside and the focus on functionality continues, particularly with storage. Renault has designed the cockpit around a robust, tube-shaped dashboard that runs across the cabin, housing a handy smattering of compartments.

As well as the usual closed glovebox, the design includes three cup holders (always appreciated), a document holder, a deep shelf under the main 'tube', two levels of storage in the doors, and a secure dash area for notebooks or jackets. It really seems to have accounted for the clutter that naturally accumulates during a busy working week.

Built on a Software Defined Vehicle (SDV) architecture, the Trafic’s 12-inch multimedia screen runs the new CAR OS, which includes a navigation system specifically designed for commercial vehicles. This accounts for the van’s size and load, directing you away from any unsuitable roads — a smart time saver, we reckon.

So, Renault’s new electric workhorse seems ready to tackle the demands of modern business, blending practical carrying capacity with high-tech functionality. But do you think this level of built-in tech will genuinely streamline the working day for UK professionals?

Image credits:  Newspress UK