Renault introduces the 4 E-Tech Societe: a master of disguise electric van

For businesses needing a small electric van, the image that comes to mind is often a boxy, windowless vehicle designed purely for function. Renault has decided that small business owners deserve a better solution.

The French automaker has introduced a commercial version of its new Renault 4 E-Tech crossover, but you would be hard-pressed to identify it as a work vehicle at first glance. Called the Societe, this new line of electric cars for professionals skips the traditional van look in favor of something much more subtle.

Back in 2021, Renault revealed a concept that paid homage to the classic, box-backed Renault 4 Fourgonnette. Many hoped this charmingly retro design would make it to production. Instead, for the new 4 E-Tech Societe, Renault chose a more cost-effective route.

The commercial version is visually identical to the standard passenger crossover. It keeps its rear doors and glass windows, forgoing the typical metal panels seen on most light commercial vehicles. This approach allows the EV to blend in seamlessly in any environment, looking more like a personal car than a delivery van.

The real transformation happens inside. To create a practical cargo hauler, Renault removes the rear seats entirely. In their place, a specialized company named Qstomize installs a custom-molded storage compartment at Renault's Ampere factory in Maubeuge, France. This space features a durable, anti-slip mat and tie-down hooks to secure goods.

A sturdy partition separates the cargo area from the two front seats. The setup provides a total cargo capacity of 36.9 ft³, with a handy 1.94 ft³ hidden compartment under the floor for smaller items. The loading floor itself is 47.2 inches long, and the vehicle can handle a maximum payload of 761 lb.

Under the already recognizable R4 body, the Societe shares its electric powertrain with the passenger version. A single electric motor delivers 148 horsepower (110 kW) to the front wheels, powered by a 52 kWh battery pack. According to the WLTP testing cycle, this combination is good for up to 254 miles of range. Plugging into an 11 kW AC wall charger will take the battery from 15 to 80 percent in just over three hours. If you're in a hurry, a 100 kW DC fast charger can accomplish the same task in about 30 minutes.

In France, Renault offers two distinct versions for different professional needs. The Societe Reversible is classified as a passenger vehicle (M1), while the Societe Van is registered as a light commercial vehicle (N1). The N1 classification offers some tax advantages for businesses but also comes with speed restrictions.

Pricing for these electric cars starts at $34,300 for the Evolution trim, excluding value-added tax. The higher-spec Techno trim starts at $36,200, and depending on the buyer's situation, French government incentives can reduce the final cost by as much as $5,930.

The new electric van from Renault might be a work vehicle, but the options list reads more like that of a premium passenger car. A selection of exterior paint colors will cost between $196 and $1,074, and adding roof rails is another $196. All-weather tires combined with special snow and off-road driving modes are available for $390.

The options don't stop there. A hands-free tailgate can be added for $390, and a package with advanced driver-assistance systems costs $293. Most surprisingly for a commercial vehicle, buyers can opt for a nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio system for $586 - quality music apparently makes even the toughest job feel easy.

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