Tag Archives: Van

NEW CARS

Renault Electrifies the Iconic Trafic: Meet the New Trafic Van E-Tech Electric

Six months after unveiling its new generation of compact, all-electric light commercial vehicles in Birmingham, Renault has pulled the wraps off the first member of this bold new family: the Trafic Van E-Tech Electric. A familiar name, now reimagined for the EV era.

A Legacy Recharged

Since its debut in 1980, the Trafic has been a mainstay of the medium LCV segment, with over 2.5 million units built across three generations. Its reputation for reliability and practicality has made it a favorite for fleets and tradespeople alike. With the fourth generation, Renault has taken a radical step: the Trafic Van E-Tech Electric is not just an update—it’s a complete rethink.

Smart Dimensions for Urban Agility

Built on a new all-electric “skateboard” platform, the Trafic Van E-Tech Electric combines optimized load capacity with nimble urban handling. The van’s minimal front overhang and rear-mounted powertrain allow a turning circle of just 10.3 meters, comparable to a Renault Clio—perfect for city streets and tight loading bays.

The L1 variant offers 5.1 cubic meters of cargo space in a 4.87-meter footprint, while the longer L2 stretches to 5.27 meters with 5.8 cubic meters of storage. The overall height has been reduced to 1.90 meters, granting access to virtually all underground car parks. Large side and rear doors make Euro pallet loading effortless.

Futuristic Design Meets Practicality

Renault has given the Trafic a modern, high-tech makeover. The aerodynamic, one-box body is complemented by a signature light strip at the front, a visor-style windscreen, and a carefully sculpted black-and-body-colored aesthetic that exudes strength without bulk. Laser-patterned grained plastic highlights the van’s robust lower sections, while a dynamic beltline injects energy into the side panels, even when stationary. At the rear, sculpted 3D light signatures flank asymmetrical swing doors, a first for Renault’s LCVs.

Cabin Innovations

Inside, the Trafic Van E-Tech Electric embraces a “disruptive” approach. A tubular dashboard stretches across the cabin, housing a 10-inch digital cluster and a 12-inch central touchscreen angled toward the driver. Seats in Zeta blue-jean and grey fabric with contrast stitching, coupled with a multitude of clever storage solutions, make the cabin as functional as it is modern.

Generous compartments include cupholders, document holders, under-dashboard shelves, and door storage capable of holding everything from notebooks to bulky water bottles. Remarkably, visible cabin elements incorporate 50% plant-based fibers, underscoring Renault’s eco-conscious approach.

Two Battery Options, Fast Charging

Trafic Van E-Tech Electric offers flexibility for a variety of business needs. Urban drivers can opt for an LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery with a range of nearly 350 km WLTP, while high-mileage users can choose an NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) battery capable of roughly 450 km. Both options support 800V fast charging, with a DC fast-charging point restoring 260 km of range in just 20 minutes.

The new electric motor, producing 150 kW and 345 Nm of torque, promises robust performance. Towing capacity is rated at 2 tonnes, with a payload of 1.25 tonnes. V2X functionality enables the van to power external tools (V2L) or even feed energy back into the grid (V2G), enhancing its utility for professional users.

Software Defined Vehicle and CAR OS

A standout feature is the Trafic’s SDV (Software Defined Vehicle) architecture. Centralized computing allows for cloud-based, over-the-air updates, transforming the van throughout its service life. The CAR OS system, built on Android Automotive OS, provides an intuitive interface with Google Assistant, Google Play apps, and an electric route planner tailored for commercial vehicles. Features like predictive maintenance, safety scoring, and driver identification QR codes demonstrate Renault’s commitment to fleet-friendly technology.

Safety and Connected Services

Safety remains a priority. The onboard Safety Coach monitors driving behavior in real time, providing a Safety Score and personalized tips. The My Renault app complements daily operation, managing charging, range, vehicle location, and maintenance scheduling. For specialized vehicles like ambulances or refrigerated vans, the new Convertor Companion app simplifies customization directly via the 12-inch touchscreen.

Built in France, Ready for Business

Production will take place at Renault’s Sandouville plant in France, alongside existing ICE Trafic models. Customers can select from a variety of configurations—including chassis cab, platform cab, and tipper—supported by Renault Pro+ bodybuilders.

With its combination of range, charging speed, tech-forward cabin, and fleet-oriented software, the Trafic Van E-Tech Electric represents a major leap forward for the iconic van. Renault isn’t just electrifying its medium LCV—it’s redefining it for the 21st century. Production is slated to begin in late 2026.

Source: Renault

NEW CARS

Kia Makes Its Long-Awaited Japan Debut With the PV5: A Modular Electric Van With Big Ambitions

Kia is officially entering the Japanese market—and it’s doing so with a statement piece. At the 2025 Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, running from October 29 to November 9, the South Korean automaker will unveil the PV5, its first Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) model. More than just another EV, the PV5 represents Kia’s opening move in Japan and a major milestone in its global electrification strategy.

A Strategic Reentry Backed by a Heavyweight Partner

It’s not often that a foreign automaker reenters Japan with this kind of precision and ambition. Kia’s debut is powered by a strategic alliance with Sojitz Group, a major Japanese conglomerate with deep roots in the nation’s automotive, energy, and infrastructure sectors. Together, the two companies have founded Kia PBV Japan, a Sojitz-operated sales subsidiary that will oversee the brand’s PBV rollout.

The goal? Launch eight dealerships and 100 service centers across Japan in the first year—a bold move in a country where brand loyalty and trust are hard-earned.

Kia and Sojitz share a lofty mission: to push Japan toward carbon-neutral mobility, while using the PBV lineup to solve social challenges like aging demographics, regional depopulation, and logistics bottlenecks. It’s a tall order—but if the PV5 delivers on its promises, it might just prove that EV innovation doesn’t have to come from Tokyo or Nagoya.

“The PV5 is not just a vehicle—it’s a mobility platform designed to meet the diverse needs of customers in Japan,” says Sangdae Kim, Executive VP and Head of Kia’s PBV Division. “We aim to deliver meaningful solutions that support people, empower businesses, and strengthen local communities.”

Meet the PV5: Kia’s Swiss Army Van

The PV5 is Kia’s first purpose-built EV designed for business, mobility, and lifestyle versatility. Built on the company’s dedicated E-GMP.S (Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service) architecture, the PV5 is engineered to be as flexible as a Lego set on wheels.

Thanks to Kia’s new Flexible Body System, the PV5 can be configured into up to 16 variants—ranging from delivery vans and people movers to wheelchair-accessible shuttles and leisure-oriented family haulers. Production comes from Kia’s eco-friendly PBV EVO Plant, which combines modular cell-based manufacturing with conventional conveyor efficiency.

Japanese-Tuned Electric Flexibility

At the Japan Mobility Show, Kia will showcase several Japan-specific PV5 versions that reflect the country’s unique social and urban mobility needs.

PV5 Cargo

  • 5.5-meter turning radius, ideal for navigating Japan’s famously tight streets
  • Up to 528 km of range (WLTC) from a 71.2 kWh battery
  • Dual-swing tailgate for easy loading in narrow parking spots
  • 12.9-inch infotainment system with Fleet Management System (FMS) integration
  • Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) tailored for dense city driving

PV5 Passenger

  • 399 mm step height and wide doors, perfect for aging passengers or community shuttles
  • Up to 521 km of range (WLTC)
  • Flexible Fold seating system for passenger or cargo use
  • Kia AddGear modular system, allowing users to add mobility aids, business tools, or leisure gear
  • Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) power outlets—both inside and out—for camping or worksite use

PV5 WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle)

  • Designed with input from mobility-impaired users
  • Features a low floor and side-entry ramp for easy wheelchair access
  • Includes universal restraint systems for secure transport

Inside Kia’s PBV Vision

Beyond the vehicle itself, Kia’s PBV strategy is a forward-looking business ecosystem. The automaker envisions software-defined mobility, where vehicles evolve through over-the-air (OTA) updates and integrate seamlessly into business and urban infrastructure.

At the brand’s show stand in Tokyo, Kia is highlighting ten sustainable material innovations, a color chip wall showcasing the brand’s design direction, and the AddGear platform—a modular accessories program that lets users tailor their PV5 for work or play.

The Road Ahead

The PV5 is set to go on sale in Japan in the first half of 2026, with the Passenger and Cargo Long models leading the charge. Kia isn’t stopping there—plans are already in motion for the PV7, a larger PBV expected to debut in 2027.

With its reentry into Japan, Kia is betting big on modular electric mobility—and on the idea that flexibility, sustainability, and purpose-built design can carve out a niche even in one of the world’s toughest automotive markets.

If the PV5 drives as well as it’s been designed to think, Kia’s long-awaited Japanese comeback might not just be a return—it could be a reinvention.

Source: KIA