Renault press release, 15 September 2026 — republished for Carboratory readers.

The new Renault Trafic Van E-Tech electric has won International Van of the Year 2027 (IVOTY)

  • The new Renault Trafic Van E-Tech electric has won the title of “International Van of the Year 2027”, awarded by the International Van of the Year (IVOTY) jury.
  • Technological, efficient and comfortable, Renault’s new fully electric van aims to become a reference on the European market. Customisable and adaptive thanks to the Software-Defined Van concept, it reduces total cost of ownership, improves electric efficiency and working conditions.
  • The Trafic Van E-Tech electric is the sixth Renault commercial vehicle to receive this distinction, two years after the Master was named “International Van of the Year 2025”.

The award was announced at the IVOTY ceremony held during the IAA Transportation show in Hanover, on 14 September 2026. According to Renault, the choice was unanimous from the jury of 26 specialist journalists from 26 European countries.

“Congratulations to the Renault LCV team on winning the International Van of the Year 2027 title with the new Trafic Van E-Tech electric. This distinction marks Renault’s sixth success in the history of this award and comes twenty-five years after the Trafic’s first victory, in 2002. Previously, the Master (1998 and 2025) and Kangoo (2012 and 2022) models also brought the French brand to the top of this competition.

The International Van of the Year jury primarily rewards vehicles that contribute to progress in efficiency, safety, environmental protection and sustainability in light goods transport. The new Trafic Van E-Tech electric fully meets these criteria and clearly establishes itself as a reference in its segment.”

— Jarlath Sweeney, President of the International Van of the Year Jury

“The prestigious International Van of the Year trophy represents extraordinary recognition of the remarkable work and commitment of all the teams involved in the New Trafic Van E-Tech electric project.

Thanks to its platform based on the Software Defined Van concept, its 800 V architecture and its ultra-fast DC charging capability, the New Trafic Van E-Tech electric marks a genuine paradigm shift on the European light commercial vehicle market. It offers customers significant added value: lower daily operating costs, a pleasant driving experience, high agility in the urban environment, as well as possibilities for evolution and on-demand customisation through software updates. This distinction also symbolises the very positive momentum currently recorded by Renault’s Light Commercial Vehicle Division.”

— Jan Ptacek, VP Renault LCV

Renault’s sixth IVOTY victory

The new Trafic Van E-Tech electric becomes the sixth vehicle from the brand to receive this title, after:

  • Master II in 1998
  • Trafic II in 2002
  • Kangoo Z.E. in 2012
  • Kangoo Van III in 2022
  • Master III in 2025

Since 1980, the Renault Trafic has accompanied professionals in their work. With more than 2.8 million units sold, the model has established itself as a reference in the mid-size van segment.

What the jury rewarded

Designed and produced in Europe, at Renault’s plant in Sandouville, France, the new Trafic Van E-Tech electric illustrates Renault’s commitment to developing and manufacturing technological products on the continent. Customisable and adaptive thanks to the Software-Defined Van concept, it reduces total cost of ownership, improves energy efficiency and working conditions.

This fully electric van brings to the European electric van market, according to the manufacturer:

  • range of up to 470 km (pending homologation);
  • 800 V electrical architecture for faster charging;
  • a turning circle comparable to that of a Renault Clio (10.3 metres).

It is also the first Renault Group vehicle and the first commercial vehicle in Europe to integrate a centralised and flexible software architecture, called SDV (Software-Defined Van). This allows regular vehicle updates, more efficient and personalised driving, a higher level of safety and improved residual value thanks to the vehicle’s continuous evolution.

More details about the model were presented in Renault’s press release from the IAA Hanover show.

About Renault

Renault is the number 1 French car brand in the world. Building on more than a century of innovation, it develops voitures à vivre with desirable design, useful and people-centred technologies, and electrified powertrains. After the Renaulution plan, the brand is beginning a new strategic cycle with futuREady, a plan to grow competitive advantage and long-term performance, both in Europe and internationally. The ambition is based on desirable products, increased international momentum and a pragmatic approach to electrification through two pillars — 100% hybrid and 100% electric.

Sources: Renault – New Trafic Van E-Tech electric Van of the Year 2027