Renault has upgraded the Master E-Tech with a larger 52 kWh battery replacing the old 33 kWh unit. Thus, the French LCV can now travel up to 126 miles (203 km) between charges, representing a 68 percent increase over the 75 miles (120 km) of its predecessor.
Despite its size, the Master E-Tech came fitted with the small 33 kWh battery from the original Zoe. The Master lineup was facelifted in 2019, but Renault didn’t add the 52 kWh battery from the updated Zoe into the mix. The battery upgrade was finally announced in late 2021, with the market launch of the long-range Master E-Tech following in 2022.
The lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt (LiMiNmCoO) battery with a capacity of 52 kWh weighs 350 kg (772 pounds) and has the same overall dimensions as the older unit, which means it is not affecting the LCV’s cargo capacity. Other features that contribute to the increased range are regenerative braking, low resistance tires and the ECO driving mode. The 126-mile (203 km) WLTP range makes it easier for business owners to make the change from ICE to EV, although it is still shorter than what you would get from a diesel-powered model with a full tank.
The new battery needs less time to recharge, going from 20-80 percent in 90 minutes from a 22 kW DC charger, in five hours from a 7 kW wallbox, or in 10 hours from a standard domestic socket. As for the powertrain, the zero-emission Master E-Tech retains the single electric motor producing 76 hp (57 kW / 78 PS) and 210 Nm (155 lb-ft) of torque, which is less powerful than the one used in the smaller Kangoo E-Tech.
Renault offers the Master E-Tech in Panel Van, Chassis Cab, and Platform Cab bodystyles, with a gross vehicle weight of 3,500 kg (7,716 pounds). Load volume is up to 13 cubic meters (459 cubic feet) in the longer version of the panel van, while the platform cab has the highest payload capacity of 1,664 kg (3,669 pounds). Equipment in the entry-level Advance includes air conditioning, rear parking sensors, hill start assist, auto headlights and auto wipers, while the Advance trim adds a more comfortable full suspension seat, and the side wind assist.
The updated Renault Master E-Tech will be available to order in the UK starting from August, with the first deliveries expected in September. UK pricing starts from £45,160 ($54,160) excluding VAT, after the PiVG incentives. Mind you, the diesel-powered and E-Tech variants of the Renault Master are joined by HYVIA’s H2-Tech models coming with hydrogen fuel-cell powertrains.
