Renault Master E-Tech electric van review (2023)

• Simple to drive with few controls to worry about
• Lots of noise from moving parts and elsewhere
• No adjustable driving modes

The Renault Master E-Tech is familiar in many ways to the standard version, as it very much gives the impression of being a conversion rather than a model that was designed to be an electric van.

This means that there are a fair few quirks that have arisen as a result of the conversion. There is, for example, no ‘Park’ in the auto gearbox – instead there is just Drive, Neutral and Reverse.

Noisy on the move

The most striking thing about how the Master E-Tech drives is the amount of noise there is – not something usually associated with electric vehicles. At low speeds there is a large amount of a sort of futuristic whirring that sounds like a spaceship. This is designed to warn pedestrians and cyclists of your presence, but it is surprisingly evident in the cabin, too.

Then there is a large amount of vibration and associated noise from the road and the various moving parts of the powertrain. Although there is less noise than in a clattering diesel, silent motoring it is not.

Easy to manoeuvre

The Master’s simplicity makes for a comparatively easy driving experience. The lack of major modes – there is just an Eco mode for maximising battery range – means that it is a simple press and go type situation.

The steering is neat and responsive and there isn’t much in the way of body roll around corners. The ride can be a bit crashy at times, even with a payload of a few hundred kg on board, especially over the sort of lumps and bumps that are common around town. It smooths out at higher speeds though.

High speeds are not something you will be achieving regularly, though, with the top speed limited to 62mph – Eco mode restricts this even further.

It doesn’t have the instant pace and power that the E-Transit can muster, but it coped just fine with a payload and a moderately hilly route. Steep hills and a maxed-out payload might test it further, but it is perfectly happy with urban deliveries.

Braking recuperating energy

The regenerative braking effect of the motor means that every time you lift off the accelerator, the van slows noticeably. It won’t take you all the way to a standstill, though, so it is not a one-pedal operation.

That said, if you pay close attention to the road ahead, you'll find you rarely need to use the brakes; since this slowing down process converts momentum back into electricity, which goes back into the battery, being that bit more vigilant helps the van go further between charges as well.

• Simple but functional interior
• Modernised tech screen
• Still feels outdated

There is very little difference between the Master E-Tech and the diesel models when it comes to the cabin. The most recent facelift in 2020 brought about some much-needed updates, with a smarter dashboard and a decent if not high-tech screen.

The information cluster has been amended to reflect the direction of energy flow and how much battery and range you have remaining, but it is a simple display that is easy to read.

The well-established cabin design means that there is a good amount of storage dotted around the place – up above your head, on the dash, in the doors in the form of big bins and elsewhere.

Basic level of comfort

It is a real shame that the steering wheel only adjusts up and down and doesn’t go in and out – a sign of how old the base Master is these days.

Overall, though, it is basic and functional, which won’t be a problem for drivers that are jumping in and out for deliveries all day rather than spending hours behind the wheel on the motorway.

• Simple warranty
• Only one trim
• Pricing competitive with the best in class

Pricing for the 2023 Renault Master E-Tech has brought it closer to its rivals - it is pretty much on a par with the Ford E-Transit in terms of list price if nothing else.

Previous versions have looked expensive compared to some rivals, though, although running costs have been favourable. While it is a real shame that there is no fast charging available on the Master, this does at least mean that drivers won’t run up huge bills at expensive public charging points – they’ll be restricted to charging at base or at home instead.

Renault Master E-Tech warranty

The Master E-Tech’s warranty is a little confusing – the basic warranty is the same as any other Renault van, so it gets three years or 100,000 miles of cover.

However, the battery gets five years of cover, but only for 62,000 miles. Given that many won’t do big miles in an electric van this will be moot for most but it is still a shame.

Renault Master E-Tech standard equipment

While there are two trims available on the Master E-Tech, the panel van only comes with one - Advance.

This means that the likes of the following come as standard:

• DAB radio with Bluetooth and USB connectivity
• A suspension driver's seat
• Dual passenger seat
• Air conditioning
• Overhead storage
• Steering wheel heigh-adjustable only
• Single sliding side door on passenger side
• Electric, heated door mirrors
• Full steel bulkhead
• Remote central locking with deadlocking
• Automatic lights and wipers
• Side wind assist
• Wide view mirror

• No signs of reliability issues

Renault hasn't sold enormous numbers of electric Masters since the Z.E. first launched in 2018. It's also likely that the examples that are in operation aren't being worked as hard as some diesel models probably are.

Given all this, it's probably no surprise that isn't much reliability data to go on yet, and equally little evidence of any major issues or faults.

• Improved safety kit in most recent version
• Historically rated as poor

Signs are that the latest version of Renault Master E-Tech has improved matters on the safety front, although it is still not up with the best. It now has kit such as lane departure warning, rear park assistance, a reversing camera, side wind assist, and active emergency braking at its disposal.

Whether it will be retested by Euro NCAP remains to be seen - the overall Master van range rating lists it as one to 'avoid'.