Renault has updated its Master van, and thus also the Master E-Tech Electric. The electric van now features a chemically redesigned 87 kWh battery, new comfort and safety features, and a range of additional variants for different applications. A new chassis-cab version with a 40 kWh battery is also available for urban use.
The Master E-Tech Electric has long been a favorite in Renault’s LCV portfolio, and it is now receiving a comprehensive update. Among the most significant technical changes is a revised 87 kWh battery. While its capacity remains unchanged, Renault will now use a new cell chemistry with a medium nickel content.
Better charging performance
A spokesperson confirmed that the new chemical composition will not affect the vehicle’s range. However, it will improve thermal management and charging performance. Details on these improvements are not yet available. LG Energy Solutions supplies the battery cells, and the 87 kWh battery is assembled at Renault’s plant in Batilly.
For AC charging, the Master E-Tech Electric retains its bidirectional 11 kW onboard charger. Additionally, an optional bidirectional 22 kW charger will now be available. Depending on the market, the van is expected to support Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) functionality by the end of the year.
Smaller 40 kWh battery
Another new feature is the availability of the smaller 40 kWh battery for the Chassis-Cab version. Previously, this variant was only offered with the larger battery. Renault is positioning this option particularly for municipalities and other urban applications.
The cab and cargo area will also feature a 220-volt socket with up to 3.5 kW output, enabling battery-powered tools to be operated or charged directly from the vehicle. For camper conversions, Renault is offering a 120 mm wider rear axle to facilitate living space adaptations.
More comfort and safety
Renault is also enhancing the Master’s comfort and safety features. The van now includes a redesigned center console, which improves access between the cab and cargo area while providing greater freedom of movement.
Additional upgrades include a keycard for keyless entry, an interior camera for fatigue and attention monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a revised digital instrument cluster. Across all front-wheel-drive variants, an electric parking brake with auto-hold functionality is now included as standard.
Furthermore, Renault is increasing the proportion of recycled materials used for the interior. The upper section of the dashboard will now consist of 20% recycled plastic from end-of-life vehicles.
At the same time, the manufacturer is expanding its range of factory conversions under the ‘Converted by Renault’ label to include new dropside, tipper, and high-volume variants. Coachbuilder JPM developed these variants.
Electric van demand is growing
The Master E-Tech Electric is currently available with either a 40 kWh or 87 kWh battery and achieves a WLTP range of up to 448 km, depending on the version. The updates announced now primarily represent a model refresh.
The growing adoption of electric vans in commercial operations is also reflected in demand among fleet operators. At the beginning of this year, for example, the Master E-Tech became the first electric van in Europcar’s rental fleet. According to the company, the first 20 vehicles at its Dortmund location in Germany were immediately leased to new customers for a year.
