TEST DRIVE REPORT In the Renault Master Z.E.

Renault Master Z.E. - Renault Trucks – Activate the ‘Master’ Switch

One can with reasonable certainty say that in whatever form it may finally take, the electric vehicle (EV) is here to stay. While the passenger car EV market will evolve at a pace determined by the motorist’s trends, pricing and Government policy, the same cannot be said for the commercial vehicle user.

Although the growth of EVs in the car sector remains slow, it is increasing and some would argue that it is now moving towards a moral tipping point. One company that has been at the forefront of EV development is Renault Trucks, and through its collaboration with Groupe Renault, is applying its experience and know-how to the van sector, where the true practicalities of the EV will be tested.

Under the Renault Trucks model line, the Renault Master van range is sold under the Master Red Edition label. It includes the latest Master Z.E. which has now joined the range.

In general, the social and domestic EV driver does little mileage apart from the daily commute and occasional trips at the weekend. For the van driver, the light commercial is primarily used for business with perhaps some personal mileage added in. Therefore, purchasing an EV is a business decision and any decision to invest must deliver a return. However, there are a vast number of factors to be considered, with the principal one being what the van will be used for.

Renault claims the Master Z.E.’s 33 kWh 400 V Lithium-ion battery offers a real-world driving distance of 120 km in summer and 80 km in winter. In Ireland our winters are generally never as severe as those experienced in other markets, so the variation may not be that dramatic. However, several other factors also affect the range capacity, in particular the driving style and the topography. Driving style is vital to preserving the power and this is where some element of driver education may be needed, especially for those who have never driven an EV. On the positive side, the majority of people are usually converted after their first drive in an EV, and soon progress to become enthusiasts.

Of course, the Master Z.E. is a commercial vehicle and so must go to

work. There is a premium on the initial cost of all EVs and there is as yet a slight question mark over the residual value as the pre-owned market is not yet developed. Equally, there is the looming possibility of policies designed to eliminate fossil-fuelled vehicles from the roads. This will possibly have an impact on the residual values of pre-owned vans and in particular, diesel-fuelled models. With that in mind, it could be time to start developing a long term plan to make a change.

The Master Z.E. has a stylish contemporary exterior and is available in three body lengths with a choice of two heights for the SWB version. Both the medium and long-wheelbase versions come with the higher roof option as standard. In panel van format the Z.E. offers a carrying capacity from 8m³ to 13m³. There is also a variety of chassis cab and platform options available. In addition to its stylish contemporary exterior, the Master Z.E. provides the driver with a stylish contemporary interior that is spacious and well-finished. The model has evolved through a series of enhancements that have delivered well-designed practical storage including a robust overhead shelf and a clever retractable A5 sized tablet holder to take care of the IT needs. To power the selection of tech devices the modern mobile worker needs, there are several well-placed USB and

power points.

It must be remembered of course that the van may also be the office, rest area and dining table. With this in mind, Renault has also included some low-tech (though equally important) details to meet the needs of the driver. Simple features such as coat hooks, well-designed cup holders and options of centre folding seat/table all combine to make

the job easier – and making the job easier is what Master does very well.

The van is simple to operate in that the driver chooses D on the drive mode selector, releases the parking brake and moves – and move it does. Master Z.E. like all EVs is exceptionally quiet and quick, as the 76 hp motor delivers the 225 Nm of torque instantly, all of which is helpful especially when operating at multi-drop work. Also important is the high seated driving position and the well-placed mirrors that afford the driver a high level of visibility needed to operate safely in an urban area, which is where we spent 90 percent of our test drive day.

Stability and handling are excellent, helped by the additional weight of the

battery giving a low centre of gravity. Maximising the potential of energy recuperation caters for the majority of braking effort and should be used at all times. Nevertheless, with ventilated discs, all-around braking to a stop was never an issue.

Out on the road, the Z.E. is a pleasure to drive, and once one gets past the initial fear of the range display steadily dropping, particularly when driving on the motorway, it becomes even more enjoyable. That said, once we left the primary route and kept to the Z.E.’s designed area of operation the van began to reveal its competencies. In this environment, maximising the driving range depends on the topography and driving technique. Adopting a simple change to the driving technique will repeatedly re-charge the 33 kWh battery thereby extending the working day. At no time on our urban test run did we have any concerns about the range of the Master, and we would add that with prudent driving we found the displayed range dropped very little over the day. We did give the unit a boost over lunch, though this was mainly to check out the ease of charging – which is a simple activity with the charge point located at the driver’s side door. On returning to base the Z.E. will fully recharge from a 7.4 kW wall-charger in 6/7 hours, though it can also be charged with a regular three-pin plug if caught short during the day. The speed is limited to 100 km/h, though when Eco mode is activated this will further reduce the maximum speed to 80 kph to extend battery life. For some, a 76 hp motor may seem a little on the small side, although we found it well suited to our day’s drive in the urban delivery environment.

Renault’s Master van range was originally launched in 1980 and its continued development has produced a refined vehicle well suited to its vast customer base. This latest incarnation with a fully electric powertrain looks set to further ensure the van’s longevity. The

Z.E.’s range of 120 km will comfortably cover a days work for the majority of light delivery operators, parcel post workers, and the services sector - and deserves serious consideration.

We have always thought Master to be one of the most practical, competent and robust light commercials on the market. Now Renault has flicked the ‘Master Switch’- and electrified the van while managing to keep the same simple practicality Master has always offered.

Text: Paul White– paul@fleet.ie

SPEC CHECK

Make Renault Trucks Model / Chassis Type Master Z.E. Van (FWD) / 4x2 Panel Van (L3.H2) Power / Torque / Range 76 hp – (57 kW) / 225 Nm / 120 kms Battery ZE Lithium-ion 33 kWh / 400 V Traction Battery Brakes Ventilated Discs - ABS, EBA, ASR, Safety ESC, ESP, EBL, Hill Holder, Side-wind Assist Suspension (f) / (R) Lower Wishbone Mac Pherson Struts / Leaf Springs Dimensions L/w/H/wB 6225 / 2070 / 2488 / 4332 (mm) Recharging Times 7.4 kW supply - 6 Hours / 3.7 kW supply - 11 Hours