Renault Master ZE review

A large van with just 76bhp available to it doesn't sound like the most thrilling or even rapid of vehicles to drive, and the Master ZE is indeed neither of those things. The motor is, however, strong enough to get the job done, and that's really all you can ask of large electric vans for now; the careful balancing act between payload, range and price makes anything more a lot harder to justify. 

The Master ZE's 33kWh pack will take a full charge from a 32-amp power supply in six hours, but rapid-charging isn't available at the moment. Speed is limited to a maximum of 62mph, but the Master ZE can extend its range in Eco mode by limiting performance with slower acceleration and a maximum speed of 50mph.

The lower centre of gravity and heavier kerb weight of the ZE make it both better to drive and smoother-riding than a diesel-engined Master. The gentle surge of power and torque you get from the moment you hit the accelerator is very well suited to urban use.

There is excessive noise coming from the road, though; a little more sound-deadening would improve the experience. That said, it’s still a much more tranquil place to be than a diesel Master.