Renault to launch 430-mile range hydrogen Master van in 2025

Renault has revealed an estimated 700km WLTP range (435 miles) hydrogen Master van that it is planning to launch next year.

The Master H2-Tech prototype was unveiled at the IAA Transportation show in Hannover and will join electric and combustion engine versions of the van for fleets to choose from.

Renault’s joint venture with Hyvia, the French hydrogen and mobility specialist, has been working on hydrogen van prototypes for more than three years and this latest model is based on feedback from the first two H2-Tech prototypes.

All versions of the Master, no matter the powertrain, will be manufactured on the same assembly line at the Batilly plant (near Metz).

Engines, gearboxes and batteries are made in France and 84% of suppliers used in production are based in France.

Renault is still going through the official homologation process, but it believes that 435-mile range and five-minute “recharge” time at a hydrogen re-fueling station for the Master H2-Tech will set a “new benchmark” for the segment.

The French manufacturer also confirmed it will be offering the Master H2-Tech in van, floor cab and chassis cab versions in collaboration with approved Renault Pro+ bodybuilders.

Hyvia has its own Hywell hydrogen refueling station concept (pictured above), which it says can be deployed as a "plug-and-play relocatable solution" to help support the roll-out of alternative fuel infrastructure for fleets switching vehicles to hydrogen, rather than EV in the future.

Renault recently revealed the first details of its new joint venture with Volvo to develop small electric last mile delivery vehicles.