Renault, one of the leading manufacturers of electric vehicles in Europe, has recently unveiled its new electric Renault Master, a large van that offers a remarkable driving range of 410 km (254 miles) on a single charge. This is a significant improvement over the previous version of the Master Z.E., which had a range of 190 km (118 miles). The new Renault Master electric van is expected to be available in spring 2024, and it will be a game-changer for commercial vehicle operators who need a reliable, spacious, and eco-friendly transport solution.
How Renault Achieved the Increased Range
The key to the increased range of the new electric Renault Master is the new 52 kWh battery pack, which replaces the 33 kWh battery of the previous model. The new battery pack comprises 12 modules, each containing 24 cells, weighing 350 kg (771 lbs). The battery pack is under the vehicle's floor, which does not affect the load volume or the payload capacity. The new electric Renault Master can carry up to 1,620 kg (3,571 lbs) of cargo, and it offers a load volume of up to 13 cubic meters (459 cubic feet), depending on the body configuration.
The new Renault Master electric van also features a more efficient electric motor, which delivers 75 kW (101 hp) of power and 225 Nm (166 lb-ft) of torque. The motor is coupled with a single-speed gearbox, which allows the vehicle to reach a top speed of 100 km/h (62 mph). The motor also has a regenerative braking function, which recovers energy when the vehicle slows down or brakes and feeds it back to the battery, extending the driving range.
How to Charge the New Electric Renault Master
The new Renault Master electric van can be charged using different types of charging stations, depending on the available power and the desired charging time. The vehicle is equipped with a Type 2 charging socket, which is compatible with most public and private charging stations in Europe. The vehicle also comes with a Mode 3 charging cable, which can be plugged into a wallbox or a public charging station with a power output of up to 22 kW. Using this cable, the vehicle can be charged from 0 to 80% in about 2 hours.
The vehicle also has an optional Combo 2 (CCS) charging socket, which allows the vehicle to use fast charging stations with a power output of up to 75 kW. Using this socket, the vehicle can be charged from 0 to 80% in about 1 hour. However, fast charging stations are not widely available in Europe yet, and they may be more expensive to use than regular charging stations.
The new electric Renault Master also has a smart charging function, which allows the vehicle to optimize its charging time and cost, depending on the electricity tariff and the driving schedule. The vehicle can be programmed to start and stop charging at specific times, using the My Renault app or the Easy Link multimedia system. This way, the vehicle can take advantage of off-peak electricity rates, and ensure that the battery is fully charged when the vehicle is needed.