- New Renault Trafic E-Tech revealed in full
- Showcased at the Solutrans show in France
- Select Van Leasing was there to get the skinny
- New Renault family of electric vans on the way
Renault has revealed the production-ready Trafic E-Tech Electric at the Solutrans show in Lyon, giving us the first proper look at the brand’s all-new electric medium van.
It’s the first model built on the new Software-Defined Vehicle architecture from Ampere – Renault Group’s dedicated EV division – and the first in a completely refreshed family of electric LCVs that will eventually include the Estafette and Goelette.
After months of prototypes and teasers, this is the finished van customers can expect to see on UK roads from late 2026.
This new Trafic is a clean-sheet design built on a dedicated electric skateboard platform, rather than an adapted diesel chassis. With its motor mounted at the rear and an unusually short front overhang, Renault says the van can turn almost like a small hatchback, delivering a turning circle close to that of a Clio.
Despite that manoeuvrability, load space remains competitive: the L1 version measures 4.87m and offers 5.1m³ of room, while the longer 5.27m L2 has a 5.8m³ load area. The van is expected to offer up to two tonnes of towing and around 1.25 tonnes of payload once homologation is complete.
Both variants sit at 1.90m tall, meaning they can access multi-storey car parks and other height-restricted areas that often cause issues for vans of this size.
The final exterior design stays close to the concepts shown earlier in the year. A full-width LED light bar, a floating body-colour panel, and textured black sections give it a more modern and deliberate appearance than the outgoing model, while a steep, visor-like windscreen rounds off the front end. At the rear, Renault has added a new light signature, specifically designed for LCVs, featuring vertical LED elements integrated into asymmetrical doors.
Inside, the Trafic E-Tech features a wide tubular dashboard beam, a digital instrument panel and a 12-inch infotainment screen angled towards the driver. The system uses Renault’s latest openR evo software with Google built in, offering smarter navigation that factors in van height, load and road restrictions.
Storage remains a strong point, with multiple cubbies, trays and shelves, including a full-width area beneath the windscreen.
Renault also says more than 23% of the cabin’s materials will be recycled, with seat fabrics using a 50% recycled blend.
One of the advantages of the SDV platform is its ability to add or upgrade features over time. Operators will be able to activate systems such as Google services, extra camera functions or even climate control after purchase, either remotely or during scheduled maintenance.
The same platform enables a major update to Renault’s Convertor Companion system. Bodybuilders can now integrate control functions directly into the main screen, reducing the need for additional switches or aftermarket boxes around the cab. Factory conversions such as tippers, flatbeds and box vans can also be handled at Renault’s Sandouville plant through the Qstomize division, which should help reduce lead times.
A new driver identification feature will also be available, allowing shared-van drivers to log in by scanning a QR code on the dashboard.
Renault is also introducing new safety technology on the Trafic E-Tech, including Safety Coach and Safety Monitor. Using sensors and artificial intelligence, the van analyses driving behaviour on every journey, scoring the driver on lane discipline, speed and attention. Renault says this can help improve safety and may support training or insurance benefits for fleets.
Renault Trafic E-Tech: Battery, range and charging
Two battery options will be offered. A long-range nickel–manganese–cobalt pack will deliver around 280 miles of WLTP range, while a more affordable lithium-iron phosphate version will follow with approximately 215 miles and lower operating costs for urban fleets.
Both use Renault’s new 800-volt charging system, which can take the battery from 15% to 80% in around 20 minutes and recover more than 160 miles of range in the process. Vehicle-to-load and vehicle-to-grid capability comes as standard, allowing operators to power tools directly from the van or feed energy back into depot systems where compatible.
Power to the wheels comes from a new Renault-developed electric motor producing 150kW (204hp) and 345Nm of torque.
Renault Trafic E-Tech availability
Final UK spec and pricing will be confirmed closer to launch, with deliveries expected from late 2026 and potentially into early 2027.
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