car tests car news

Review Renault Master E-Tech electric

January 4, 2025

To immediately answer the first question of many: for trips in the city, the driving range of the Renault Master E-Tech electric is sufficient. It is less well off if you want to charge there. Most parking spaces at a charging station are too tight for this 5.68-meter-long van. A fate that befalls more of these large delivery trucks, including those from other brands.

Renault Master L2/H2

The Renault Master driven is an L2/H2 version. So a version with the length dimension 2 and the height dimension 2. It is the largest model in the range. A model that is popular with courier services and they, in particular, frequently operate in the urban emission-free zones.

Long range 87 kWh

We drove the long range version with an 87 kWh battery and a driving range averaging up to 460 km (WLTP). Now we all know that you can easily knock 20% off of that. In reality, you end up with about 350 km. In cold weather and some more highway use that drops to 260 km, we discover. Anyway, in the city you can assume about 350 km and that’s enough for a day of couriering.

Loading area with plenty of room!

A private charging spot with enough room for the Master is a must, though. Charging on the road is actually impossible because of the cramped spaces at the poles. You can only get by at a fast charging station. There you can quickly recharge thanks to the Renault Master’s 130 kW charging capacity. In about 30 minutes, that gives you 250 kilometers of driving range.

Two power variants

Renault supplies the Master E-Tech electric with a choice of two battery variants. Apart from this version with the 87 kWh battery and an electric motor of 105 kW (143 hp) and 300 Nm, there is also a version with a 40 kWh battery, a range of up to 180 kilometers and an electric motor of 96 kW (130 hp) and 300 Nm. The long range Master is perhaps the best choice. And of these, its performance is more than adequate. It pulls up like crazy, if you wanted to.










Tough and efficient front

The front end impresses with its large grille, high nose and highly visible Renault logo. When you see this in your rear view mirror… The design paid attention to low air resistance. The streamlined “Aerovan” design reduces drag by 20% compared to the previous Master. Thousands of hours of testing in a wind tunnel designed for aircraft contributed to this.

Energy Management

The Renault Master is full of gadgets to keep power consumption low, as much as 27% less in fact. Of course, the battery is charged with braking energy, as is actually the case with all electric cars. Furthermore, the battery is kept at an ideal temperature as much as possible by a heat management system. The air conditioning with heat pump regulates the temperature in the cabin with as little electricity as possible and it takes into account the range. Furthermore, you have the driving mode -eco- which noticeably provides more driving range. However, the top speed is then limited to 94 km/h instead of 120 km/h.

Gigantic cargo space and towing weight

The Renault Master E-Tech electric offers a payload of up to 1,625 kg, a towing weight of 2,500 kg and a maximum permissible gross vehicle weight of up to 4 tons. The L2/H2 has a cargo volume of 10.8 cubic meters. Headroom is 1.88 meters and the cargo floor measures 3,225 millimeters in length, so thick 3 meters. The sliding door on the left is wide (1,312 mm), making it easier to load large items from the side.

Digital cockpit

The Master offers many functions that you also know from your smartphone. You immediately recognize the tiles and graphics on the central display, such as that of Google Maps. Based on your preferences, you get the optimal route. You can also use the electric Route Planner to calculate the route to a charging station based on the desired payment method, charging speed or desired charging location.







My Renault app

Through the My Renault app, you can utilize information and functions from via a smartphone. So also see how far it is with charging. The 10-inch display is large enough to see all the information well and turned slightly toward you at the top of the dashboard for easy access.

Storage space in cabin

A van offers a lot of space for storing things, and so does the Master. On top of the dashboard there are several lockable compartments. Against the ceiling and in the doors you will also find large compartments for stuff. The middle backrest can be folded down and used as a desk. Under the passenger seat is a storage space with a capacity of 135 liters. That’s roomy enough for a pair of work boots.
















Also as an energy supplier

You can also use the electrically powered Renault Master as a power source. Sockets in the cabin and cargo area allow you to connect power tools, computers and other devices. It is also possible to supply energy from the battery back to the grid via a bi-directional charger. This technology is called Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G).

Conclusion

Renault has come up trumps with the electric Master E-Tech electric. Not for nothing was it chosen by an expert jury as the 2025 Van of the Year. In practice, its stable handling and good performance are striking. 143 hp does not seem like much, but the smooth acceleration proves otherwise.

The appearance is a matter of taste, but the front end definitely attracts attention. The cargo space is well utilized due to the low loading floor and almost straight walls. The high towing capacity is striking for an electric bus. The high seating position and low sloping dashboard give you a good view of the road ahead. Even for smaller drivers, as the driver’s seat is adjustable quite far in height. Just all those buzzing sounds and beeping warnings left and right from the speakers as you reverse into a narrow passage to avoid collisions with obstacles? Fine, of course, but it does make you a little horny. The reversing camera on top of the roof edge is then mainly the more practical help.