Renault’s new all-electric Trafic has been voted International Van of the Year 2027 by a jury of 26 trade journalists from 26 European countries. The award was handed over at the IAA Transportation show in Hanover on 14 September 2026, and the decision was unanimous. It is the sixth IVOTY title for Renault’s light commercial vehicles, and the first for a Trafic in 25 years.

The new Renault Trafic Van E-Tech electric has been named International Van of the Year 2027. The title was announced at the IVOTY ceremony during the IAA Transportation show in Hanover on 14 September 2026, and according to Renault the panel of 26 trade journalists, representing 26 European countries, backed the van unanimously.

Renault’s sixth IVOTY title

The award extends a long run for Renault in the light commercial vehicle class. The brand previously won with the Master in 1998 and again in 2025, the Trafic in 2002, and the Kangoo in 2012 and 2022 — making the new Trafic the sixth Renault van to take the trophy, and the first Trafic to do so in a quarter of a century.

“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,” said Jarlath Sweeney, Chairman of the International Van of the Year jury.

Range, 800 volts and a Clio-sized turning circle

Renault quotes a range of up to 470 km (292 miles), a figure the company notes is still pending approval. The van uses an 800-volt electrical architecture for faster DC charging — unusual in the medium van segment, where 400-volt systems remain the norm — and a turning circle of 10.3 metres (33.8 ft), which Renault says matches that of a Clio supermini.

The Trafic is also the first Renault Group vehicle and, the company says, the first light commercial vehicle in Europe to be built on an SDV (Software-Defined Van) architecture. Renault argues that the centralised electronics allow regular over-the-air updates, a more personalised driving experience, added safety functions and better residual values, because the van keeps improving after delivery.

What it means for fleets

For operators, the pitch is total cost of ownership rather than headline performance: Renault says the software-defined features are customisable and scalable, and that they lower running costs while improving efficiency and working conditions in the cab. The van is designed and built at Renault’s Sandouville plant in France.

The Trafic name has been on sale since 1980 and has passed 2.8 million units, according to Renault, which positions the model as a benchmark in the medium van class.

“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,” said Jan Ptacek, Vice-President, Head of Renault LCV.

Facts: Renault Trafic Van E-Tech electric

  • Range: up to 470 km (292 miles), pending homologation
  • Electrical architecture: 800 volts, with what Renault calls ultra-rapid DC charging
  • Turning circle: 10.3 metres (33.8 ft)
  • Software: SDV (Software-Defined Van) architecture with over-the-air updates
  • Production: Sandouville, France
  • Award: International Van of the Year 2027

Renault has not stated prices or a market-by-market on-sale date for the new Trafic Van E-Tech electric in this announcement.

Source: media.renault.com