The Renault Master E-Tech van has at last received a larger 52kWh battery which gives it a more practical range of up to 126 miles, or up to 160 miles for city driving. The charging has also been upgraded, but it still falls well short of the speeds offered by rivals such as the new Ford Transit.

The Master’s battery has been upgraded from the previous model’s 33kWh, and the new power pack can be charged at speeds of up to 22kW AC. This can offer 20 to 80 percent charge in 90 minutes, and may suit businesses who have three-phase charging in compounds and depots. A standard 7kW wallbox can charge from 20 to 80 percent in five hours and an 11kW charger can add 30 miles of range in two hours. 

There is no CCS DC charging available which will limit the Master’s ability to do longer journeys efficiently, but it may suit businesses who can charge overnight.

It's a big van, but charging is slow

The Master E-Tech is available as a Panel Van with ‘Advance’ trim or Chassis Cab and Platform Cab with ‘Start’ trim. The Panel Van has a payload of up to 1,420kg with a load volume of 13m³. The basic specification gets electronic stability control (ESC), hill start assist and trailer swing assist. 

‘Advance’ trim gets a few more tech features, including a 12V power socket in the loading area, rear parking sensors and safety features like side wind assist, seat belts with pretensioners and multiple anchorage points. It also comes with a full suspension seat so drivers can be more comfortable behind the wheel. 

The Master E-Tech is available to order from 1 August, with prices starting from £45,195 after the plug-in van grant is applied. First deliveries are expected from September. A five year battery warranty also comes as standard on all specs.

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Renault Master E-Tech Review

The driver's seat has its own suspension for extra comfiness