*This content was translated by AI.
Renault unveiled the new electric commercial vehicle 'Trafic Van E-Tech Electric', which can travel more than 470km on a single charge, in Hanover, Germany. This vehicle is Renault's mid-size van first launched in 1980. It applies an 800V electrical system, enabling an additional range of up to 280km with a 20-minute charge. It also introduces software-defined vehicle (SDV) technology for the first time, featuring an electronic control system integrated by two supercomputers.
The new model was first presented at the 'IAA Transportation 2026' event held in Hanover, Germany. Renault is pursuing its 'futuREady' strategy to launch five new light commercial vehicles (LCVs) by 2028, with the Trafic Van E-Tech Electric being the first model.
Since its initial launch in 1980, the Trafic has achieved cumulative sales exceeding 2.8 million units. The new electric vehicle will be produced at Renault's Sochaux plant in France. Starting with the panel van, the company plans to expand the LINE-up to include chassis cab and crew cab models by 2027.
This vehicle was developed based on the Renault Group's RGEV mid-size electric commercial vehicle platform. Equipped with an 81kWh battery, it aims for a driving range of over 470km according to European WLTP standards, and is currently undergoing certification procedures. Renault explained that urban driving can achieve up to 690km. Depending on the work type, the vehicle can operate for up to five days without recharging.
Applying an 800V system, it secures an additional range of up to 280km under general conditions and up to 380km in urban areas with a 20-minute charge. The cargo space is up to 5.8 cubic meters, the payload capacity is 1.3 tons, and the towing capacity reaches up to 2 tons. It can carry three Euro pallets, and the loading height has been lowered to 530mm.
The turning radius is 10.3m, comparable to that of a compact car, and the vehicle height is 1.89m, allowing entry into standard underground parking garages. A multi-link rear suspension system was applied to enhance ride comfort, and front and side visibility were widened to improve driver convenience. The low noise characteristic unique to electric vehicles also aids long-distance driving. This Trafic Van features a centralized SDV architecture. Approximately 80 existing electronic control units (ECUs) have been integrated into two supercomputers, and it uses the Android-based 'CAR OS' operating system developed in collaboration with Google. Through this, the vehicle provides functions such as software updates, predictive maintenance, and personalization features.
It also includes V2L functionality for specialized vehicle applications. Electrical equipment such as power tools can be used from the cargo space using the vehicle's battery. Additionally, an ePTO function to supply power to specialized equipment like refrigeration units or ambulance gear is planned for future addition. The 'Converter Companion' feature, which integrates specialized equipment controls into the vehicle's infotainment system, is also supported.
Renault operates a three-stage conversion system: in-house production, specialized conversion by group subsidiary Qstomize, and certification through 300 specialized converters across Europe. Depending on customer requirements, the vehicle can be expanded into various forms such as crew cab, large-capacity van, mobile maintenance vehicles, and vehicles for people with reduced mobility.
Starting in 2027, the 'Renault uptimize' service will also be introduced to reduce vehicle downtime. This approach uses connected car data and artificial intelligence to identify potential issues in advance and adjust maintenance schedules. The goal is to cut downtime by half in the event of accidents or breakdowns. Aerodynamic performance has improved by 6% compared to previous models, and electric drivetrain efficiency exceeds 90%. According to Renault, over a 200,000km driving cycle, total carbon emissions from production through use to disposal are more than 45% lower than comparable diesel vans.
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*This content was translated by AI.
