Renault unveiled the production version of the new Trafic E-Tech Electric at Solutrans 2025 in Lyon (18 to 22 November). The all-electric panel van is the brand’s first vehicle based on Ampere’s flexible, scalable SDV (Software Defined Vehicle) architecture.

Another first for the brand is the 800V technology, which is being used in a Renault model for the first time. Although Renault has now unveiled the production version of the Trafic panel van at the French transport trade fair, it will be quite some time before the first vehicles are in customers’ hands.

According to the announcement, the electric panel van is set to hit the market at the end of 2026, ‘before further versions of the Trafic E-Tech follow, such as a platform chassis, flatbed or cargo box,’ according to Renault.

800V platform

Ever since the initial announcement in January, it has been clear that the French manufacturer will switch to an 800V platform for the next generation of light commercial vehicles, enabling charging times of less than 20 minutes to reach 15-80%.

And in the spring, it was announced that a new electric motor with 150 kW of power and 345 Nm of torque would be used, in combination with one of two batteries: an NMC battery for up to 450 kilometers of WLTP range or a cheaper LFP battery that is expected to achieve around 350 kilometers.

Practical

Renault has now confirmed all these figures for the world premiere of the production model, but still hasn’t released any data on the energy content of the two battery options. Instead, there is another very relevant statement on the utility value of the new Trafic E-Tech: ‘The combination of a powerful engine and a robust platform enables a towing capacity of two tons and a payload of up to 1.25 tons (homologation pending).’”

The addition in brackets indicates that the towing capacity has not yet been officially approved, but Renault’s engineers are so confident that they are communicating it.

Let’s take a look at the other known figures: as an L1 panel van (4.87 m long), the electric transporter van offers 5.1 cubic metres of cargo space, while the L2  (5.27m long) offers up to 5.8 cubic metres. The width of 1.92 metres is the same for all models, and the overall height of 1.90 metres is also identical and should allow access to most underground car parks. The 40-centimetre difference is entirely due to the longer wheelbase; the front and rear overhangs remain the same.

Optimal ratio load/space

As the new van is based on a purely electric skateboard platform, it should offer an “optimal ratio of load capacity to space requirements”, according to Renault. Since the electric motor is located on the rear axle, the front overhang can be correspondingly short.

And since there is no drive to the front wheels, the steering angle can vary. At 10.3 meters, the Trafic E-Tech is said to offer the same turning circle as a Renault Clio; a five-metre van with the turning circle of a small car is likely to be an advantage when used in city centers.

Visually, there aren’t many changes to the production model compared to the concept car from the spring, which was already considered relatively close to production at the time. The rather angular design, the continuous light strip with an illuminated brand logo at the front, and the black elements at the front, sides, and rear are striking features intended to give the Trafic E-Tech a distinctive appearance among other vans.

Software-defined

Customers tend to focus on factors such as utility, cost, and other added value when using (electric) vans. Renault is placing a strong emphasis on software-defined vehicles (SDVs), which are intended to set the Trafic E-Tech apart from the competition.

The announcement refers to nothing less than a ‘technological breakthrough’. ‘Software is no longer limited to specific functions, as in previous architectures, but shapes the entire vehicle. The centralised software architecture can be updated throughout the vehicle’s lifetime, just like a smartphone or laptop,’ says Renault.

The basis for this is the new CAR OS (operating system), developed by Ampere based on Android Automotive OS. The central software is connected to the cloud and can be updated remotely and in real time. In addition, this will also enable personalised offers “tailored to the actual use, driving habits and requirements of individual users”.

Renault cites the following three points as examples: for vehicles with specific functions, such as ambulances, fire engines, police vehicles, refrigerated vehicles, and other conversions, special apps can be provided to control the operation of individual components. A similar solution already exists in the OpenR link system for the Renault Master, which allows the creation of individual apps. Here, this option is expanded to include the additional intelligence of the SDV architecture.

Secondly, companies that use their own operating system, e.g., for deliveries, can integrate this into the on-board multimedia system to transmit information (time, route, contacts, comments, etc.) to delivery drivers in real time. Last but not least, fleet users can log into their profile and access a personalised interface with their preferred vehicle settings and apps.

OpenR

Renault’s infotainment system, known as ‘OpenR’, has also been adapted for vans. Not only has the 12-inch touchscreen been optimised for use in light commercial vehicles, but so has the software: the navigation system has been specially developed for commercial vehicles.

“It takes into account vehicle dimensions and load to avoid unsuitable routes.” As consumption data is better accounted for, the system is designed to suggest optimised loading stops.

Additional apps are available via the Google Play Store that can be used on the vehicle’s touchscreen. Thanks to the open system design, companies should be able to integrate their own systems into the vehicle’s multimedia system: “Companies using their own operating system, for deliveries, for example, would be able to integrate the new function into the vehicle’s multimedia system.”

Two other models to follow

Production of the new Trafic will start next year at the Renault plant in Sandouville, France. Along with the panel van, two other models will also use the new 800V platform via the Flexis joint venture: the Goelette E-Tech, with a box body, stands out from other vans thanks to its reinforced axles, which enable a payload of up to 1.4 tonnes. The Estafette E-Tech, a step-in van, is designed for city deliveries.