Renault launches new Master van with upgraded EV drivetrains

PARIS -- Renault has revealed the fourth generation of its large Master commercial van, including two full-electric versions with a maximum range of more than 400 km (250 miles). Sales will start next spring, Renault said Tuesday.

The current Master van has been in production since 2010 at Renault’s factory in Batilly, northeastern France. Last year, Renault produced 121,798 Masters, sold in a total of 50 countries, although Europe is the main market, with about 93,000 sales.

Renault showed the new Master on Tuesday at the Solutrans commercial vehicle show in Lyon, France. Prices and full technical specifications were not revealed.

The Master’s competitors include a range of Stellantis vans such as the Citroen Jumper, the Fiat Ducato, the Opel/Vauxhall Movano and the Peugeot Boxer; the Ford Transit; the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter; the Iveco Daily; and the Volkswagen Crafter. The Sprinter is the longtime leader in the segment, followed by the Transit and the Master. The combined Stellantis brands, however, outsell the Sprinter.

Through October, there were 99,827 Sprinters sold in Europe (passenger and commercial versions), according to figures from Dataforce. The Transit was in second with 90,937 sales, followed by the Master with 85,994 sales.

Large vans such as the Master are highly profitable for automakers, with margins of 10 percent or more. They are relatively simple to build, and each generation stays in production for a decade or more. 

Big changes are coming to the commercial van market, however, with zero-emissions vehicles mandated after 2035 in the EU. The full-electric and hydrogen van market remains small for now – well below 10 percent of sales --  but automakers are expanding their range of EVs to prepare for the transition.

The Master will have a wide choice of drivetrains, including diesel engines with 105 to 170 hp; two full-electric models; and a hydrogen option (see factbox). Current electric versions have a single offering: A 33 kWh battery and a 57 kw motor.

Stellantis has just announced upgrades for its full-electric large vans, with range increasing by 30 percent to 420 km.

Technological upgrades to the Master include a redesigned front axle and shorter wheelbase (in standard models) that reduces the turning circle by 1.5 meters; and a new braking system that cuts automatic emergency braking response time in half.

It will come in 20 different silhouettes, depending on length, volume and intended use. Maximum volume is 22 cubic liters. Rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive models are available. 

The Master’s new design is focused on aerodynamics, with a drag coefficient that is 20 percent less than the current model. A narrower rear end, more sloping windshield and a shorter hood all contribute, Renault says.

Partly because of better aerodynamics, Renault says the Master’s CO2 emissions have been improved by 39 grams per km, to below 200 g/km. Electric range has been improved by 20 percent.

Renault describes the interior of the new Master as an “office on wheels,” with a redesigned S-shaped dashboard that includes a 10-inch central touch screen standard on all models and upgraded materials. The steering wheel is the same used on passenger cars. 

Other interior features include a middle seat that folds down into a desk and has a slot for laptop storage, USB-C ports and an automatic gearbox selector on the steering wheel, creating more space in the center console. Interior storage space has been increased by 25 percent to 135 liters.

The Master will feature a suite of connected services through Renault Group’s Mobilize mobility services division. They include usage-based insurance, fleet monitoring and the ability to generate data for other management tools.