Over decade since the all-electric Renault Kangoo was launched and won the International Van of the Year award, Renault has unveiled the Trafic Van E-Tech Electric, the first electric model of its best-selling Renault Trafic Van.
The French auto-maker told the IAA event at its world premiere that the van features “no comprises” compared to its ICE sibling and boasts “the same level of features, diversity, and customisation to suit customer needs.”
“The Renault Trafic Van E-Tech Electric has all the same qualities that are behind the success of its predecessor, with more than 2.2 million units sold in more than 50 countries worldwide since 1980. It is Europe’s 3rd most-sold light utility vehicle (Van1 segment),” it added,
The Trafic Van E-Tech comes with new safety features, a modern multimedia system, and a bigger and better range of engines.
The Trafic Van E-TECH Electric is available in two length variants of 5.08m or 5.48m long and 1.967m or 2.498m high options. Storage volume (in van mode) ranges from 5.8m3 to 8.9m3 It is available as a cab-floor model and the load length can extend up to 4.15m (on the extended L2 version featuring the ‘long-load’ trapdoor located in the bulkhead)
In terms of its electric credentials, it comes with a 90kW motor with a 750kg towing capacity and can carry up to 1.1 tonne. The Trafic Van E-Tech’s 52kWh battery has a range of 240km WLTP. To recharge the battery, it launches with a choice between three types of chargers including: A single-phase 7kW AC charger, suitable for all types of domestic charging; a 22kW AC charger for rapid charging at public charging stations; and an optional 50kW DC charger for fast charging on motorways.
Last year, Renault unveiled a model directly inspired by the Trafic, the Hippie Caviar Hotel, as a response “to the growing desire to escape into the great outdoors, seeking the best of both worlds with idyllic landscapes and the comfort and amenities of a 5-star hotel”.
Renault also lifted the curtain on its leisure-vehicle strategy with the ‘Hippie Caviar Motel’ show car.
Built off the New Kangoo L2 E-Tech Electric, the converted can is designed as a ‘safe-haven’ on wheels, “flexible and dynamic for adventurers and sports enthusiasts looking for excitement and wide-open spaces”.
Designed to serve as a base camp that is readily moved from one destination to another thanks to its 285km range, the Hippie Caviar Motel takes only 30 minutes to recuperate 170km of battery power. The 90kW (120HP) motor runs off a 45kWh battery that can plug into 80kW DC outlets.
A range of storage solutions provide plenty of room for sports gear both inside and outside the vehicle, said Renault.
“Fold down the back seat into a bed and enjoy the night sky through the large panoramic roof. While the roof rails are perfect for transporting skis.
“The all-electric show car is perfectly in line with Renault’s strategy to reduce CO2 emissions over a vehicle’s entire life cycle, as evidenced through the use of recycled and recyclable materials, such as the cork and recycled tyres for the shelves and flooring.”
