Van and Commercial Vehicle Awards 2025: Best Large Electric Van
With its long range, excellent carrying capacity and long-distance comfort, bigger businesses can go green thanks to the Ford E-Transit...
Renault Master E-Tech
Price from (excluding VAT) £42,500 Range 285 miles CO2 emissions 0g/km Load space 10.8-14.8m3 Payload kg Up to 1625kg Power 138bhp Torque 221lb ft
As with several other manufacturers, Renault’s initial forays into the large electric van market proved to be a disappointment, because the first two Masters were woefully underpowered and didn’t have a practical range. Enter stage left the all-new Renault Master E-Tech, fresh from the ground up, bristling with new batteries, motors, technology and aerodynamics, all designed with efficiency in mind.
The van has a 138bhp electric motor and an 87kWh battery pack. With an official range of 285 miles, the van eclipses the ranges offered by the Citroen e-Relay, Fiat E-Ducato, Ford E-Transit, Peugeot E-Boxer and Vauxhall Movano Electric, achieved in part by efficiencies included in the design of the van — the bluff (and somewhat over-aggressive) front end has been carefully contoured to guide air around it, while the entire van tapers gently towards the rear to reduce resistance.
At launch, the Master E-Tech is available in two body and two roof heights with load volumes ranging from 10.8 to 14.8 cubic metres. Payloads on large electric vans are often a challenge for manufacturers, but Renault has managed to keep the figure just above a tonne on vans with a 3500kg gross weight — over 50% more than you can carry in the rival Mercedes eSprinter.
For those happy to take advantage of the Government’s licence derogation, 4.0t GVM vans provide payloads of up to 1625kgs. These are seriously impressive figures, given the size and weight of a battery pack. The Master also boasts a class-leading side loading door aperture of more than 1300mm.
The spacious cab shares all the features of the diesel-engined van, with the dash being dominated by the centrally mounted 10.0in multimedia screen. There’s just a single trim level with a relatively modest offering of equipment, but there’s everything you need — air conditioning, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and cruise control are all present.
Renault has wisely concentrated on safety and driver aids with the standardisation of lane departure warning, active emergency braking, and intelligent speed assist with traffic sign recognition tech, amongst others. This has helped it gain a Euro NCAP Platinum rating, the ultimate safety recognition.
The Master E-Tech is a great-looking van with a huge range between charges, eye-catching payloads, a spacious cab and proven safety advantages, giving it an edge over its EV competitors. The pricing is ultra-competitive, too.
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