Renault Trafic E-Tech electric named International Van of the Year
The all-new next-generation Renault Trafic E-Tech electric has been named International Van of the Year 2027 (IVOTY) following a unanimous vote by the 26-strong judging panel.
The prestigious award, now in its 35th year, was announced and presented during the ‘Night of the Stars’ gala ceremony at IAA Transportation 2026 at Hannover Messe, Germany, on Monday 14 September.
The new Renault Trafic E-Tech electric received top marks from every member of the International Van of the Year jury, which comprises commercial vehicle trade magazine editors and journalists from across Europe and South Africa.
The Stellantis ProOne Compact van was selected as runner-up, while the new Farizon V7E and latest Volkswagen Caddy Cargo shared third place. Other shortlisted models included the Hyundai Staria Electric and Maxus Deliver 7.
Fifth IVOTY win for Renault
The award marks Renault’s fifth International Van of the Year title and comes exactly 25 years after the Trafic last claimed the accolade.
Previous Renault winners include the Master in 2025 and the Kangoo in 2022 and 2012.
Jarlath Sweeney, Chairman of the International Van of the Year jury, said: “Congratulations to Renault Vans on winning the 2027 IVOTY with the new Trafic E-Tech electric. It’s the fifth such title for Renault, and exactly twenty-five years since the Trafic was last victorious. Previous winners for the French brand was the Master in 2025 and Kangoo (2022 & 2012).”
The judging process considers a van’s contribution to efficiency, safety, environmental performance and the sustainability of light goods transport.
Sweeney added: “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 E-Tech electric meets these requirements with aplomb.”
New Renault Trafic E-Tech electric
The fourth-generation mid-size Renault Trafic E-Tech electric impressed the jury with its combination of electric powertrain technology and new-generation vehicle architecture.
The van features a software-defined vehicle platform, 800-volt electrical architecture and ultra-rapid DC charging, technologies Renault says are designed to improve operating efficiency and provide greater flexibility for commercial operators.
Jan Ptacek, VP, Head of Renault Light Commercial Vehicles, said: “This prestigious International Van of the Year award is a strong recognition of the outstanding work and commitment of all the teams involved in the Trafic E-Tech electric project.
“With software-defined vehicle platform features, 800-volt architecture and ultra-rapid DC charging, Trafic 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 up-gradability. This award is also a strong symbol of the positive dynamic of Renault LCV business.”
The award comes as electric vans continue to become an increasingly important part of manufacturers’ European light commercial vehicle strategies, with fleet operators looking for lower operating costs and practical zero-emission solutions for urban and regional delivery work.
Renault’s latest Trafic E-Tech electric combines the established Trafic nameplate with an all-new platform and electric technology, positioning the model in the competitive mid-size electric van market.
Its IVOTY 2027 success also provides Renault with another major industry endorsement for its LCV electrification strategy, following the company’s previous victories with the Kangoo and Master.
For fleet operators, the award highlights the growing range of electric LCV options available as businesses assess the operational, financial and environmental implications of transitioning commercial vehicle fleets away from internal combustion engines.
