√2024 Renault Master E-Tech Electric van confirmed for Australia

Renault’s largest electric vehicle has been locked in for Australia – but it’s not confirmed when the 200km-range battery-powered Master will arrive in showrooms.

The electric version of the Renault Master van is finally coming to Australia, in updated form with more range and a new name: the 2024 Renault Master E-Tech Electric.

Joining the Kangoo E-Tech Electric due in showrooms early next year, Renault has sold the electric Master in Europe since 2018 as the ‘Master ZE’ (Zero Emissions) – but will finally reach Australia in the coming years, with a larger battery and faster charging.

Launch timing for Australia has not been locked in, however Drive understands a launch in 2024, rather than 2023, is looking likely.

Powering the updated Master E-Tech Electric is a 52kWh battery pack seemingly borrowed from the Zoe city car – but with another 800kg on board and less-than-ideal aerodynamics, the big van can only muster 200km of range on a single charge, according to European WLTP testing.

While not significant, Renault understandably aims the Master E-Tech at ‘last-mile’ delivery providers in big cities – and the 200km figure represents an improvement over the 120km the Master ZE’s 33kWh battery could achieve.

Propulsion comes from a 57kW electric motor – half that of a diesel-powered Master van (110-120kW) – good for a top speed of only 100km/h.

DC fast charging is available, though only at up to 22kW, translating to 50km of WLTP-rated range added in 45 minutes plugged in.

A stint on a 7.4kW AC domestic ‘wallbox’ charger will cover an 80 per cent charge in five hours, while a 3.7kW domestic socket will complete the same task in double the time.

Drivers can select an Eco mode to maximise range, aided by an adaptive regenerative braking akin to most other electric vehicles on the market.

Australian model range details are yet to be confirmed, however 15 variants of the Master E-Tech Electric will be offered in Europe, across van and cab-chassis bodies in various lengths, heights and weights.

Advanced safety technologies available in Europe will include autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning – plu side wind assist, and front and rear parking sensors. Automatic lights and wipers are standard.

The new Renault Master E-Tech Electric van is slated to launch in Australia sometime in 2024, Drive understands.

It will form part of a rapidly-expanding electric van market in Australia, covering all from the Renault’s small Kangoo E-Tech Electric (above), the mid-size Mercedes-Benz eVito and Ford E-Transit Custom, and the Master’s closest rival, the Ford E-Transit and upcoming Mercedes-Benz eSprinter.

By the time it goes on sale locally, the current-generation Master will be one of Australia’s oldest new vehicles, having launched globally in 2010, or in Australia near the start of 2012.

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