The Renault Trafic E-Tech has scooped the International Van of the Year 2027 (IVOTY) award on the back of a unanimous jury vote.

The announcement was made during the Night of the Stars gala ceremony at the IAA Transportation trade fair following the debut of the new fourth-generation Trafic E-Tech earlier that day.

The Trafic received top marks from each member of the 26-strong International Van of the Year jury. The Stellantis ProOne Compact van finished as the runner-up, while third place was shared for the first time between two brands, namely the new Farizon V7E and the latest Volkswagen Caddy Cargo. The Hyundai Staria Electric and Maxus Deliver 7 rounded out the shortlist.

The expert judging panel, consisting of commercial vehicle trade magazine editors and journalists spanning Europe and South Africa, praised the Trafic E-Tech for its high efficiency, modern safety systems and strong push toward sustainable transport.

Jarlath Sweeney, chairman IVOTY, said: “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.”

This victory marks the sixth time a Renault LCV has taken home the trophy. It follows closely on the heels of the Renault Master, which won the title for 2025.

The new Trafic is the first production model born from the Flexis van concept programme, and aims to set a new standard in the European market through technology, efficiency and comfort.

Designed and built at the Sandouville plant in France, it’s the first Renault Group vehicle – and the first LCV in Europe – to feature a software-defined van (SDV) architecture for on-demand digital upgrades.

Its 800V architecture supports ultra-rapid DC charging and delivers up to 292 miles (470km) pending final official approval, while the E-Trafic also features up to 1.25 tonnes of payload capacity, offering a maximum loading volume of 5.8m³ and a towing capacity of up to two tonnes.

Thanks to its customisable and scalable SDV features, it cuts the total cost of ownership while improving electric efficiency and driver comfort.

Jan Ptacek, vice-president, head of Renault LCV, said: “Trafic Van 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 upgradeability. This award is also a strong symbol of the positive dynamic of Renault LCV business.”