By a unanimous vote, the all-new next-generation Renault Trafic E-Tech was elected winner of the International Van of the Year 2027 (IVOTY). The announcement and presentation of the most prestigious trophy in the light commercial vehicle industry, now in its 35th year, was made at the ‘Night of the Stars’ gala ceremony at the IAA Transport trade fair at the Hannover Messe, Germany.
The new Trafic received top marks from each member of the 26-strong International Van of the Year jury, with the Stellantis ProOne Compact van chosen as runner-up, with two brands uniquely sharing the third position, namely the new Farizon V7E and latest Volkswagen Caddy Cargo. The other shortlisted candidates were Hyundai Staria Electric and Maxus Deliver 7.
The expert judging panel, consisting of commercial vehicle trade magazine editors and journalists spanning Europe and South Africa were impressed with the arrival of the new fourth-generation mid-size Renault Trafic E-Tech, the first production example of the Flexis van concept program.
Following the prize giving ceremony, Jarlath Sweeney, Chairman IVOTY said: “Congratulations to Renault Vans on winning the 2027 IVOTY with the new Trafic E-Tech. It’s the sixth 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).”
He 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 electric Trafic meets these requirements with aplomb.”
On receiving the IVOTY trophy on stage, Jan Ptacek is the Vice President of the Renault Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) Business Unit, said:
The Trafic E-Tech is built on an advanced software-defined platform features an 800-volt architecture, supporting ultra-rapid DC charging and delivers up to 450 km from a 150 kW electric motor with 345 Nm of torque. With up to 1.25 tonnes of payload capacity, offering a maximum loading volume of 5.8 m³ and a towing capacity of up to 2 tonnes.
