Renault placed the forthcoming Trafic E-Tech medium electric van at the centre of its Commerical Vehicle Show stand, ahead of production beginning early in 2027.
Initially announced at the 2025 edition of the Birmingham show, the Trafic e-tech will be the first of three models forming Renault’s new electric vehicle range, and according to the brand’s UK managing director Adam Wood will be a “game-changer’ for Renault’s commercial vehicle prospects.
The Trafic E-Tech launches Renault’s ‘software-defined vehicle’ line-up, employing technology that will allow the vehicle to be upgraded over its life-cycle. Entering the medium van sector, described by Wood as the “heartland for electric vehicle take-up”, it will offer a WLTP combined range of 280 miles with its 800-volt architecture allowing recharging from 15 to 80% in 20 minutes.
The vehicle has been designed with a height to allow entry into underground car parks and with a 10.3-metre turning circle described by Wood as akin to that of a Renault Clio supermini – it is expected to significantly increase the brand’s slice of the electric van market.
Renault also highlighted the relaunch of its Pro Plus van retail network at the show, seeking to better meet the needs of its customers. Enhancements include extended servicing hours at every one of the 50 sites across the UK with an increase in specialist staff.
The first of a fleet of mobile service vans was displayed at the show. Based on the Renault Master, these units will travel to the premises of fleets running Renault vans to carry out servicing requirements on site and reduce vehicle downtime to the customer.
The vans, currently six in number, are fitted out with the requirements for scheduled servicing, diagnostics, software updates, battery checks and fluid changes. The technicians operating them will also be able to undertake minor warranty repairs.
Renault also unveiled a new version of its current Trafic medium van at the show – the Graphite Edition has been designed in the UK specifically to appeal to the local fleet market and SMEs – it features a rear spoiler, side steps and carbon styling elements along with an enhanced ADAS safety system. It launches alongside a PCP programme for LCVs also designed to attract smaller operators.
