Renault’s latest Master large van has previously impressed us, both in electric E-Tech form in European spec, and as a UK diesel model. Now, we’re trying the E-Tech in UK spec on our roads.
The Master E-Tech features a 140hp electric motor paired with an 87kWh battery, allowing a range of up to 255 miles between charges under official WLTP testing with the 3.5t van tested here – the 4.0t version which is also available has a range of 285 miles because of a speed limiter, with this range also achievable with the 3.5t version should a 58mph limiter be applied. Renault says the Master E-Tech’s range is achieved in part thanks to the van’s aerodynamic efficiency – improved by 21% compared to the previous-generation model with the ICE version – as well as a battery heat management system, which reduces energy consumption. At any rate, it’s a big all-round improvement compared with the old Master E-Tech, which offered a paltry 76hp, and 125 miles of range.
As standard the Master E-Tech comes with 22kW AC charging capability, which is faster than key rivals such as the Ford E-Transit and Vauxhall Movano Electric. However, with DC rapid charging this picture is reversed, at 130kW for the Renault versus 150kW for the Vauxhall and 180kW for the Ford.
Performance and drive
Despite having a lower hp output than the diesel Master we previously drove (as well as producing less torque), the E-Tech feels nippier, with its instant throttle responses especially useful around town. Driving is also made easier by not having to shift gears, since like all electric vans the Master E-Tech has a single forward speed. Instead of a traditional gear lever, you get a stalk on the steering column for the selection of forward or reverse drive, which works fine.
The rest of the driving experience is similar to the diesel, with the Master E-Tech benefiting from light steering and a composed chassis, and the suspension coping well with the UK’s pock-marked roads, while manoeuvrability is aided by a turning circle 1.5m shorter than the previous Master. Sadly, the E-Tech also shares an annoyingly inaccurate speed limit warning system with the diesel.
Electric handbrakes will be available with the new Master in a couple of months’ time, and will be standard with E-Tech versions, but for now there is the slight incongruity of an electric van with an old-school manual handbrake, which is awkwardly positioned since the driver’s armrest can get in the way.
Interior and loading
While the diesel Master is available with a choice of Advance and Extra trim levels, the E-Tech is only available with Advance spec. Despite this, where the diesel Master comes with traditional instruments around a small TFT display, the E-Tech features a full 7in digital driver display. Other extra kit with the Advance E-Tech in 3.5t form includes one-touch electric front windows and a cargo area kick plate (4.0t E-Techs also get blind spot warning and pedestrian and cyclist collision warning systems).
The driver display sits alongside the well-placed and nicely responsive 10in infotainment screen which is included with all Masters. The cabin also features a useful 135 litres of stowage space, and comfy seats derived from Renault’s car range.
Load bay dimensions are the same for electric and diesel Masters, but on payload the E-Tech has a 284kg deficit in the spec tested here – though this picture can be reversed by opting for a 4.0t version.
Something the Master E-Tech definitely has in its favour is value for money compared with rivals. At just over £38k, excluding VAT and including the UK Government’s £5,000 plug-in van grant, the Renault comes in around £6,000 cheaper than the entry-level E-Transit, and around £8,000 cheaper than the base Movano Electric. Combined with all the model’s other strengths, it makes the Master E-Tech an attractive option in the electric large van segment.
| Model | Renault Master MM35 Advance E-Tech |
| Price (ex VAT, inc PIVG) | £38,255 |
| Price range (ex VAT, inc PIVG) | £38,255-£42,005 |
| Warranty | 3yrs/100,000mls (EV drivetrain and battery 8yrs/100,000mls) |
| Service intervals | 1st yr/12,000mls, then 2nd yr/24,000mls, subsequently 2yrs/24,000mls |
| Load length | 3,225mm |
| Load width (min/max) | 1,380mm/1,537mm |
| Load bay height | 1,885mm |
| Gross payload | 1,022kg |
| Load volume | 10.8m3 |
| Engine size/power | 140hp electric motor with 87kWh battery |
| Range | 255 miles |
| CO2 | 0g/km |
| On sale | November 2024 |
| Key rival | Ford E-Transit |
| Verdict | Good to drive plus cheaper than rivals equals a winning combination. |
| Score | 9/10 |
