Renault has announced pricing for its updated electric Master, with the E-Tech version starting at £45,160 before VAT and once the plug-in grant has been applied.
Although much about the electric Renault Master is familiar, 2022 has brought an updated name and a new, bigger battery.
The E-Tech name replaces the Z.E. suffix, and brings the Master in line with Renault’s other electric van, the Kangoo E-Tech. Of more interest to buyers will be the new battery, which brings about a significant improvement in the maximum range.
Where the original Master Z.E. was only capable of travelling an official 75 miles between charges, the latest version has a 57kW (76hp) motor combined with a 52kWh battery that has an officially certified range of 126 miles.
This might not sound much compared to rivals such as the Ford E-Transit and Fiat E-Ducato with their ranges of 217 and 175 miles respectively, but it is a step in the right direction.
There is also a couple of charging solutions on offer, with a single-phase 7.4kW AC charger that is geared up for domestic use and a 22kW DC version for rapid charging. The latter allows you to get 30 miles of range in 45 minutes – although this is nowhere near as fast as the 30 minutes the E-Ducato takes to get to 60 miles on a 50kW DC charger.
What else is new?
The Master E-Tech has only the five different versions at the point of launch, having previously promised more. There are two lengths, just the one height and only one gross vehicle weight – a 3.5-tonne version. Renault had said there will ultimately be three different gross vehicle weight options, with a 3.1-tonne and a 3.8-tonne version due to follow on later.
The two versions are a medium and long length, with both the same height – a medium. They offer 10.8 and 13.0 cubic metres of storage space respectively and payloads of 1,420kg and 1,308kg.
In addition to the panel van models there are also two chassis cab models – again the two different lengths – and a single platform cab.
There are two different specifications on offer, but the basic Start trim is only offered on the chassis and platform cabs. Anyone wanting a panel van will get the Advance trim, which is a good thing given the relatively basic nature of the entry-level offering.
Advance trim offers a suspension driver’s seat, electric windows, side wind assist that kicks in above 42mph, rear parking sensors, automatic lights and wipers and chrome detailing on the front grille.
It can also come with a range of safety kit, including front and rear park assist, a rear-view camera, active emergency braking and lane departure warning. Not all of these are standard, though.
Pricing starts at £48,400 for the medium length and £49,200 for the LWB. Both of these prices are not including VAT but are before the plug-in grant, which brings the starting price down to £45,160.
