VM Test Drive Renault Trucks E-Tech Master: New Master of Electric Vehicles

The truck brand Renault Trucks also wants to go full electric with the new Master E-Tech: In addition to the completely revamped Trafic E-Tech and even E-Cargobikes at the lower end, the versatile 3.5 to 5-tonner especially fills the gap to the also fully electric trucks of the D and T series. The successor to the range-weak predecessor is much more broadly positioned. It even surpasses its battery capacity in the small version with a 40 kWh lithium-ion storage and sets a new benchmark in terms of range in the driven variant with a full-size, ultra-flat 87-kWh battery installed under the floor. The mature E-transporter is said to cover 170 to 350 kilometers, which is a full week's shift for many users, especially in the delivery sector.

This would correspond to a very moderate consumption of 21 kWh/100 km, which would need to be verified in the summer. In winter, the onboard computer in the pre-series model showed values beyond the 30 kWh mark, but this is not a reliable value. The N2 version above 3.5 tons is then even supposed to achieve 410 kilometers, of course, at a reduced speed. Speaking of which: This can also be modulated in the N1 transporter by activating the Eco button. Then the noticeably livelier propulsion by the 300 Nm strong E-machine (96 or 105 kW power) is gently braked at 90 km/h. Those in a hurry have to release the button and can zip through the countryside at up to 120 km/h with fairly rapid acceleration. Optionally flanked by up to 20 driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control and active lane assistants, which were not yet installed in the test vehicle. At the same time, the motor is pleasantly quiet and hardly bothers the driver's ear. Apparently, the recuperation, which can be activated in one stage via the "B mode" on the steering column lever to save electricity, was also not yet implemented in the pre-series model, as well as an optimized thermal management system.

Ready for the middle distance: 130 kW fast charger

If the battery is empty, a 130 kW direct current fast charge can replenish energy for 229 kilometers of range in 30 minutes at the charging slot, which is quite accessible and yet protected from bumps, located front right in the fender. At a 22 kW alternating current charging station, the battery can be charged from ten to 100 percent in just under four hours. The battery-electric Master is also Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capable. This means that charging electric devices via a socket in the cockpit or the cargo area is possible. Additionally, electrical tools, computers, and other devices can be connected to the charging socket via an adapter. Important for builders: consumers like cooling units, additional heating or air conditioning systems, or automatic tailgates can be powered directly from the battery.

Otherwise, the Master drives very pleasantly, with good comfort, sufficiently agile handling for the class, making it especially easy to maneuver through the city. Thanks to a shorter wheelbase and new steering, the previously enormous turning circle has been reduced by 1.5 meters despite front-wheel drive. The large mirrors provide a good overview, as does the elevated seating position from the cockpit. In case of doubt, cameras at the front and rear help to maintain visibility. Thanks to the shift lever on the steering wheel, the shift console is eliminated, making passage much easier.

Most Needs are Covered by the Electric Vehicle

For heavier and longer needs, there is also planned to be a hydrogen fuel cell drive in the future. Yet, the majority of the Master customers' applications, over 90 percent, which a fleet manager on site confirms, could be handled with the battery-electric van. If only the local charging infrastructure would make progress, not just in Munich, where we were able to drive the E-van around the Motorworld, the expansion is massively stagnant. Especially for commercial customers, a nearby charging option would be crucial, especially when they don't have their own charging infrastructure available yet. Well, otherwise, the range is sufficient to roll up to the fast charger in the suburbs or on the highway once a week.