2026 Renault Trafic E-Tech delivers new tech and 287-mile range
Renault has revealed its all-new 2026 Trafic E-Tech van for the first time at Solutrans 2025 CV show.
The new Trafic E-Tech is the first in a family of three brand-new all-electric vans due to be released by Renault in 2026.
All three are based on a dedicated EV platform for the first time and will cover a wide range of van segments, bringing new levels of EV tech to the commercial vehicle space.
The Trafic E-Tech is Renault’s first software defined vehicle and is built on bespoke 800V architecture that brings major upgrades in range and charging speeds.
The Trafic E-Tech will come with a choice of battery sizes for businesses focused on shorter urban or long-range routes. Renault hasn’t confirmed capacities but says from launch the larger NMC unit will provide up to 278 miles of range, while a smaller LFP unit will arrive at a later date delivering “almost” 217 miles. Previous generations of the Trafic managed just 186 miles.
The 2026 Trafic E-Tech also brings true ultra-rapid charging that will allow a 15-80% charge in 20 minutes. It features vehicle-to-load for powering laptops, tools and other accessories, and vehicle-to-grid.
All versions of the van will be powered by a rear-mounted 201bhp/254lb ft motor allowing a two-tonne towing capacity and up to 1.25-tonne payload.
Renault says that the new Trafic’s skateboard chassis has allowed it to optimise cargo capacity relative to the van’s footprint whilst also lowering its height to a car park-friendly 1.9m and delivering a Clio-like turning circle.
In L1 body style, the new van measures 4.87m long and offers a load capacity of 5.1 m3. L2 packs a cargo capacity of 5.8 m3 into its 5.27m length.
Visually, the new Trafic brings a cleaner more modern look than the outgoing model with short overhangs and a large glasshouse. The smooth front end features slimline LEDs joined by a full-width light strip that sits just beneath the windscreen and wraps around a backlit Renault badge. At the rear a new permanent light “signature” sits above the main lighting units. The lower bumpers and side body protection are finished in a robust black plastic that also wraps around the top of the wide-opening rear doors.
Inside there’s a dashboard pod that looks strikingly familiar to the brand’s passenger cars. A 12-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive is angled towards the driver, with a band of physical controls for the air conditioning beneath. Ahead of the driver is a configurable 10-inch digital instrument panel flanked by upright air vents.
The new central screen includes a navigation function specially designed for commercial vehicles, taking account of their size and load to avoid unsuitable roads. Other innovations include the ability to integrate corporate systems into the screen, whether that’s a delivery company app that allows live updates to be sent to customers or vehicle converters adding control functions for specialist builds such as ambulances.
With a focus on sustainability, Renault is aiming to include over 23% of recycled materials in the Trafic, including the battery – close to the level achieved by its passenger cars. There is more than 40kg of recycled plastic used around the van and the upholstery is made of 50% recycled fabric.
The battery cells will be produced in Europe with final pack assembly taking place at the Sandouville plant where the van is built.
The Trafic E-Tech panel van will go on sale in mid-to-late 206 and will then be joined by chassis cab, platform cab, tipper, flatbed and cargo box variants.
