Renault has finally revealed its new Trafic E-Tech Electric, the first of five new electric vans it plans to launch between now and 2028.

The Trafic, which has already been named the International Van of the Year 2027, is claimed to have “a level of comfort never before experienced in an LCV”, along with exceptional efficiency and low running costs. Unlike with the existing Trafic, the new model will only be offered as an electric model; there will be no diesel or PHEV options.

It is the first Renault van to use an 800-volt electrical architecture and has an 81kWh battery giving up to 470km (292 miles) of WLTP range. Renault says up to 280km (174 miles) of additional range can be recovered in 20 minutes at a rapid charger, while Vehicle-to-Load capability means the van can also be used as a mobile power source for tools and equipment.

Manoeuvrability is comparable to a Renault Clio, with a turning circle of 10.3 metres. At 1.89 metres tall, it can access all standard underground car parks.

The Trafic has been designed from the outset to accommodate conversions, with a flat load floor, up to 1.3 tonnes of payload and 5.8 cubic metres of load volume. A chassis-cab version will also be offered and was shown at the IAA Transportation show in Hanover with a refrigerated box body.

Renault is putting a big emphasis on the software side, too. The Trafic is the company's first Software-Defined Vehicle, using two central computers rather than around 80 separate control units. That allows over-the-air updates and is intended to make the vehicle easier to adapt to different applications.

Renault will also offer conversions through its own factories, its Qstomize operation and a network of more than 300 certified European bodybuilders.

The panel van will be available by the end of 2026, with the chassis-cab and crew cab versions to be added to the range in 2027.