If you are looking for a versatile, efficient, and eco-friendly van for your business, you might want to check out the new electric Renault Master. This is the fourth generation of the popular large van, which has been redesigned to offer a range of powertrain options, including diesel, electric, and hydrogen. The electric version, called the New Renault Master E-TECH, boasts a remarkable driving range of up to 410 km (255 miles) on a single charge, as well as a spacious and comfortable cabin, a generous load capacity, and a host of advanced features. In this article, we will explore what makes the New Renault Master E-TECH a great choice for your business and how it compares to other electric vans on the market.
The Benefits of Driving an Electric Van
Before we dive into the details of the New Renault Master E-TECH, let’s take a look at some of the benefits of driving an electric van in general. Electric vans have several advantages over diesel-powered ones, such as:
- Lower running costs: Electric vans are cheaper to fuel, as electricity is much cheaper than diesel. According to Renault, the New Renault Master E-TECH can save you up to 60% on energy costs compared to a diesel equivalent. Electric vans also have lower maintenance costs, with fewer moving parts and less wear and tear. Additionally, electric vans are exempt from road tax, congestion charges, and low emission zone fees in many countries, saving you a lot of money in the long run.
- Reduced emissions: Electric vans produce zero tailpipe emissions, not contributing to air pollution and climate change. This can help you improve your environmental impact and meet your sustainability goals. Electric vans can also help you comply with the increasingly strict emission regulations implemented in many cities and countries, which may restrict or ban diesel vehicles in the near future.
- Enhanced driving experience: Electric vans offer a smooth and quiet driving experience with instant torque, no gear changes, and no engine noise. This can make your journeys more comfortable and less stressful, especially in urban traffic. Electric vans also have a lower center of gravity, which improves their stability and handling. Furthermore, electric vans have a lot of smart technology and connectivity features, which can make your driving safer, easier, and more enjoyable.
The Features of the New Renault Master E-TECH
Now that we have seen some of the benefits of driving an electric van, let’s take a closer look at the features of the new Renault Master electric van. This is the first electric version of the Renault Master, one of Europe's best-selling large vans since 1980. The New Renault Master E-TECH is based on a new multi-energy platform, which allows it to offer different powertrain options, including diesel, electric, and hydrogen. The electric version has the following features:
- A powerful and efficient electric motor: The New Renault Master E-TECH is equipped with a 105 kW (143 hp) electric motor, which delivers 300 Nm of torque. This allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 13.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 130 km/h (81 mph). The electric motor is also very efficient, as it has an energy recovery system that converts kinetic energy into electricity during braking and deceleration, which helps extend the driving range.
- A large and long-lasting battery: The New Renault Master E-TECH has an 87 kWh lithium-ion battery, which is one of the largest and most advanced batteries in the electric van segment. The battery provides a driving range of up to 410 km (255 miles) on the WLTP cycle, which is more than enough for most daily operations. The battery also has a long lifespan, as it is guaranteed for 8 years or 160,000 km (99,419 miles), whichever comes first. The battery can be charged using different methods, such as:
- A standard 7.4 kW wallbox, which can fully charge the battery in 12 hours.
- A fast 22 kW public charger, which can charge the battery from 0 to 80% in 4 hours.
- A rapid 130 kW DC charger, which can charge the battery from 0 to 80% in 30 minutes.
- A spacious and practical load area: The New Renault Master E-TECH has a load volume of up to 22 m³ (777 ft³), which is one of the largest in the large van category. The load area is also very accessible and versatile, as it has a wide opening, a low loading sill, and a flat floor. The load area can be customized to suit different needs and preferences, as there are more than 40 different body styles and conversion possibilities available, including panel van, chassis cab, platform cab, crew cab, and minibus. The New Renault Master E-TECH can also carry a payload of up to 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) comparable to a diesel equivalent.
- A comfortable and high-tech cabin: The New Renault Master electric van has a cabin that is designed to offer a high level of comfort and convenience for the driver and passengers. The cabin has a lot of storage space, up to 135 liters (4.8 ft³), and a foldable desk that can be used as a mobile office. The cabin also has a lot of smart technology and connectivity features, such as:
- A standard 10-inch touchscreen with the OpenR Link multimedia system includes wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, remote vehicle connection via the My Renault app, and various connected services.
- An optional 10-inch digital instrument cluster displays key information such as speed, battery level, driving range, and navigation.
- An optional OpenR Link with Google built-in system, which adds more than 50 apps from Google Play, Google Maps, and natural voice interaction with Google Assistant.
- A standard wireless smartphone charger, which can keep your devices powered without the need for cables.
- A standard keyless entry and start system, which allows you to access and start the vehicle without taking the key out of your pocket.
- A standard rear-view camera and parking sensors, which help you maneuver and park the vehicle safely and easily.
- A standard hill start assist system, which prevents the vehicle from rolling back when starting on a slope.
- A standard cruise control and speed limiter system, which helps you maintain a constant speed and avoid speeding fines.
- A standard lane departure warning system, which alerts you if you drift out of your lane without signaling.
- A standard traffic sign recognition system, which detects and displays the speed limit and other road signs on the instrument cluster.
- A standard automatic emergency braking system, which detects and avoids potential collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists.
- A standard blind spot warning system, which warns you of vehicles in your blind spot when changing lanes.
- A standard side wind assist system, which helps you stabilize the vehicle in case of strong crosswinds.
