Renault has been a pioneer in electric vehicles, offering a range of models that cater to different needs and uses. From the compact Zoe to the spacious Master, Renault has an electric solution for every market segment. But what about the medium-sized van segment, which is booming thanks to the rise of e-commerce, deliveries, and home improvement services? Renault still remembers this segment and has recently unveiled the Trafic Van E-Tech, an all-electric version of its popular Trafic van.
The Renault Trafic Van E-Tech is not just another electric van. It is a van that drives like a car, offering a smooth, quiet, and comfortable ride while also delivering impressive performance and efficiency. It is a van that combines the best of both worlds: the practicality and versatility of a van and the agility and dynamics of a car. It is a van that respects the environment and the quality of life of city dwellers while also allowing professionals to continue their activity in low-emission zones. It is a van designed for urban use but can also easily handle longer trips.
What makes the Trafic Van E-Tech so special?
The Trafic Van E-Tech is based on the same platform as the regular Renault Trafic, which means it inherits all the strengths and features that have made this model successful for over 40 years. The Trafic Van E-Tech offers a wide choice of lengths, heights, and configurations to suit different needs and preferences. It also offers a large loading space (up to 8.9 m3) and a record-breaking usable length of 4.15 m, thanks to a clever trap door in the partition. It can also tow up to 920 kg and carry up to 1.1 tonnes of payload, making it one of the most capable electric vans on the market.
But what sets the Renault Trafic Van E-Tech apart from its competitors is its electric powertrain, which consists of a 90 kW (122 hp) motor and a 52 kWh battery. This powertrain provides instant torque (245 Nm) and smooth acceleration, making the Trafic Van E-Tech easy and fun to drive in all circumstances. It also provides a range of up to 297 km (WLTP) in the combined cycle, which is usually enough for a full work day. And if you need more range, you can opt for the 'long range' version, which limits the top speed to 90 km/h and extends the range to 322 km. The battery can be charged from 15% to 80% in 60 minutes with a fast charger (DC) or overnight with a regular charger (AC).
The Trafic Van E-Tech also comes with an Eco mode, limiting the power output and optimizing energy consumption. This mode is useful to maximize your range or drive more efficiently. The Trafic Van E-Tech also features regenerative braking, which recovers energy when you decelerate or brake and feeds it back to the battery. This way, you can extend your range and reduce your brake wear.
What are the benefits of driving an electric van?
Driving an electric van like the Renault Trafic Van E-Tech has many advantages over driving a conventional diesel or petrol van. Here are some of them:
- You save money on fuel and maintenance costs. Electricity is cheaper than fossil fuels, especially if you charge at off-peak hours or use renewable sources. Electric vehicles also have fewer moving parts and require less servicing than internal combustion engines.
- You reduce your environmental impact and your carbon footprint. Electric vehicles emit zero tailpipe emissions, which means they do not contribute to air pollution or climate change. They also produce less noise pollution, improving urban residents' quality of life.
- You enjoy a better driving experience and comfort. Electric vehicles offer smoother acceleration, better handling, and more responsive braking than conventional vehicles. They also provide a quieter and more relaxing ride, as there is no engine noise or vibration.
- You access low-emission zones and benefit from incentives. Electric vehicles are allowed to enter restricted areas where conventional vehicles are banned or charged fees. They also benefit from various incentives such as tax breaks, subsidies, free parking, or toll discounts.
