The new Renault Trafic Van E-Tech electric has been named International Van of the Year 2027 by a unanimous vote of the 26-member IVOTY jury. The award was presented at the jury’s ceremony during the IAA Transportation show in Hanover on September 14, 2026, where Renault is also presenting the van’s full LCV lineup debut. The panel comprised trade journalists representing 26 European countries. The Trafic Van E-Tech electric is the sixth Renault light commercial vehicle to take the title, two years after the Master won in 2025.
Highlights
- Unanimous verdict: All 26 IVOTY jurors, one from each of 26 European countries, selected the Trafic Van E-Tech electric.
- Sixth Renault title: The win follows the Master II (1998), Trafic II (2002), Kangoo Z.E. (2012), Kangoo Van III (2022) and Master III (2025).
- Range and charging: Renault cites a range of up to 292 miles (470 km), pending approval, on an 800V electrical architecture.
- Turning circle: 33.8 feet (10.3 meters), which the company says matches that of a Clio.
What Did the IVOTY Jury Say?
Jarlath Sweeney, Chairman of the International Van of the Year jury, said: “Congratulations to Renault Vans on winning the 2027 IVOTY with the new Trafic Van E-Tech electric. It’s the sixth such title for Renault, and exactly twenty-five years since the Trafic was last victorious. Previous winners for the French brand was the Trafic in 2002, the Master in 1998 and 2025 and Kangoo in 2022 and 2012.
“The main criterion for the nomination and the election of any van as International Van of the Year is its contribution to high standards of efficiency, safety, with respect to environment and the sustainability of the transport of light goods by road and the new Trafic Van E-Tech electric meets these requirements with aplomb.”
Jan Ptacek, Vice-President, Head of Renault LCV, said: “Prestigious Van of the Year award is a strong recognition of the outstanding work and commitment of all the teams involved in the Trafic Van E-Tech electric project.
“With software-defined vehicle platform features, 800-volt architecture and ultra-rapid DC charging, Trafic Van E-Tech electric is a game changer in the European LCV market bringing strong customer value: reduced daily operating costs, pleasure to drive, agility in the cities and on demand upgradeability. This award is also a strong symbol of the positive dynamic of Renault LCV business.”
Renault’s IVOTY History
The Trafic Van E-Tech electric joins five earlier Renault winners of the award:
- Master II — 1998
- Trafic II — 2002
- Kangoo Z.E. — 2012
- Kangoo Van III — 2022
- Master III — 2025
The Trafic nameplate last held the title 25 years ago. The previous IVOTY winner, the Kia PV5, took the 2026 title.
What Technology Does the Trafic Van E-Tech Electric Bring to the Segment?
Renault has sold more than 2.8 million Trafic units since the model’s introduction in 1980, and the company positions the van as a benchmark in the medium-van segment. The new all-electric generation is designed and built at Renault’s Sandouville plant in France.
According to Renault, the Trafic Van E-Tech electric introduces several features the company describes as firsts for the European LCV market:
- Range: Up to 292 miles (470 km), pending approval.
- Charging: An 800V electrical architecture intended to support faster charging.
- Maneuverability: A 33.8-foot (10.3-meter) turning circle, which Renault says is equivalent to a Clio.
The van is also the first Renault Group vehicle, and the first LCV in Europe, to use a software-defined van (SDV) architecture for centralized, flexible operation. Renault says the architecture enables regular over-the-air updates, a more efficient and personalized driving experience, enhanced safety, and improved residual value through continuous updates. The company adds that the customizable, scalable SDV features reduce total cost of ownership while improving electric efficiency and working conditions.
