Renault introduced the Trafic electric van at the IAA Transportation fair in Hanover on Monday, September 14. This new model marks a significant step forward in Renault’s electric vehicle strategy, featuring an advanced 800-volt electric architecture that allows for faster charging than the Kia PV5, which was named Utility Vehicle of the Year for 2026. The Trafic is built on a new platform called Flexis, developed through a partnership with Volvo and the logistics company CMA CGM. Renault acquired CMA CGM in February 2026, and the Flexis platform is designed to be modular and adaptable for various vehicle types. The platform uses a "skateboard" design, where the battery is placed flat under the floor and the motor is positioned on the rear axle, improving weight distribution and efficiency. The Trafic’s motor produces 150 kW, equivalent to about 200 horsepower, with 345 Nm of torque, offering more power than the current Trafic E-Tech model, which has a 90 kW motor. Renault claims the vehicle can travel up to 470 kilometers on a single charge under the WLTP (World Light Duty Vehicle) standard, using an 81 kWh battery. A more affordable version with a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery is expected to provide around 350 km of range. The 800-volt charging system allows the battery to charge from 15% to 80% in about twenty minutes, adding approximately 260 km of range—more than double the current model’s capabilities. The new Trafic is initially aimed at professionals, and it is the first model in a new family that will also include the Estafette and the Goélette. The van offers a loading volume of up to 5.8 cubic meters, with a height of 1.90 meters to fit under most parking garage entrances. It also has a turning radius similar to that of a Renault Clio, making it more maneuverable in tight spaces. The van includes a V2L (vehicle-to-load) feature, allowing the battery to power electric tools on construction sites with up to 10 kW of power. The version unveiled in Hanover is a panel van without rear windows, ideal for carrying equipment but less suited for weekend trips. A glazed version with a sleeping area and kitchen, suitable as an alternative to the Volkswagen California, is expected to be available by the end of the year, with additional variants set to launch in 2027. The price of the Trafic remains uncertain, with Renault planning to announce it when orders open in autumn 2026. Deliveries are expected to begin by the end of the year from the Sandouville plant. The Kia PV5 is already available in dealerships, priced around €39,550 for its utility version, and Renault will need to match or beat this price to attract professionals and potential buyers. The Trafic will also compete with the Ford E-Transit Custom, now upgraded to a 70 kWh battery, and the Mercedes eVito, which has a claimed range of about 432 km under the WLTP standard with a 90 kWh battery.