Is the Renault Trafic going all-electric?

The new Renault Trafic E-Tech is on its way, but does this spell the end of the traditionally powered variant?

As part of Renault’s new electric van range — which has seen the French giant team up with Volvo under the Flexis banner — the Trafic stands out from the rest of the lineup. While the Estafette and Goelette have been resurrected from the archives, the Trafic has remained a market stalwart for the last 46 years.

This raises the question: will the Trafic be ditching the ICE powertrain options which it has built its name upon? Well, we caught up with Renault, and the new Trafic E-Tech at the CV Show in Birmingham to find out what comes next for its mid-sized workhorse.

Will the Renault Trafic E-Tech replace the diesel Trafic?

And the answer we’ve all been waiting for: no, the Trafic will not be going exclusively all-electric. The new skateboard platform-based E-Tech will enter the market in tandem with the standard ICE Trafic, rather than replace it. 

Having this key detail confirmed seemed to settle the gathering crowd at the purpose-built EV’s global debut, allowing the focus to be solely on what the upcoming model brings to the table. 

Visually, first impressions were very much as we’d expected, with no watering down of the initial concept evident — something which isn’t always the case, especially in the world of futuristic electric vans. 

The 4.87 m frame (also available in 5.27 m length) brought exactly the futuristic Stellantis-esque vibes we’d predicted when viewed in person, culminating in a functional, clean look. Combine these length options with the 1.9 m height, corner-placed wheels wrapped in trusty Michelin Agilis 3 tyres, and a turning circle which can match a Renault Clio, and it remains clear that there is substance beneath this utilitarian appearance. 

New Renault Trafic E-Tech details revealed 

However, what was entirely new to us — and to the gathering onlookers — was the preview of the Trafic E-Tech’s interior. 

It was impossible to ignore the large instrument cluster screen and even larger infotainment display which dominate the cabin, giving a clear reminder that this is a future focussed van. And of course, there’s a minimal and modern steering wheel which couldn’t simply be round if it were to fit in with this aesthetic.  

However, take a closer look, and you’d notice tactile and conveniently placed buttons set into this wheel, matching the exterior’s real-world-ready vibe. And, like the upcoming Farizon Supervan which the electric Trafic will soon compete with, this solid feel can be found all across the cockpit in the form of rugged materials, chunky buttons, and stocky handles.

And that’s all we’ve got for now ahead of the new Trafic E-Tech’s 2026 release date. Promising signs, and a much-needed answer to a question on the powertrain front, but will Renault’s dual Trafic approach prove to be a success in the long term?