Renault has been beavering away at a hydrogen fuel cell-powered version of its Master Van for quite some time. but now, the company has finally nailed down a launch date.
The new Renault Master Van H2-Tech will go on sale in 2022, when it’ll become a longer-range, zero-emission alternative to the firm’s existing battery-powered Master ZE.
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While the Master ZE is ideal for urban use, a range of less than 100 miles indicates it’s not suitable for longer journeys – especially those on higher-speed routes.
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This is where the Master Van H2-Tech comes in. The van uses the same 33kWh battery and electric motor as the Master ZE, with the addition of a 30kW hydrogen fuel cell and four 6kg hydrogen storage tanks to improve its range up to a claimed 310 miles.
The H2-Tech shares the same body as the medium wheelbase, high-roof version of the diesel Master, indicating there’s enough space in the back for up to 12 cubic metres of goods. Renault also says this particular set-up makes the van well suited to life as a delivery vehicle.
But Renault won’t just stop at panel vans. The brand has plans for a whole range of automobiles based on the Master Van H2-Tech, including a 15-seat minibus and new chassis cab model, both using the same hydrogen technology.