🟧 Can Electric Vans Really Replace Diesel Campers?
That’s the big question now.
EV vans are rolling out across Europe—but can they actually meet the same real-world camping demands?
Buyers want long-range, sleep-convertible interiors, off-grid power, and systems that don’t collapse under winter loads.
But the shift to electric means:
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Floor-mounted battery packs
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Higher-voltage HVAC systems
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Weight limits that force lighter builds
That’s where traditional camper layouts start to fail.
So we pulled together a spec-level comparison of the three leading Renault EV vans:
Trafic E-Tech, Kangoo E-Tech, and Master E-Tech—
to see which ones work for camper conversion,
and which ones don’t—based on range, payload, install access, and owner pricing quotes from Europe.
This post is based on:
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Manufacturer spec sheets
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Verified user builds across France and Germany
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Direct quotes from camper-upfitters
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Renault’s own build guides (2024 editions)
If you’ve ever asked:
“Can I go fully electric without giving up function, layout, or range?”
This post is for you.
# Remember This
Trafic E-Tech: Low-roof stealth van, ideal for 1-2 person urban camping.
Estafette E-Tech: Retro-inspired high roof, perfect for families of 4.
Goelette E-Tech: Box van, made for mobile businesses or food truck setups.
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| Official design reveal of Renault’s 2025 EV van lineup: Trafic, Estafette, and Goelette in a studio setup |
1. Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Model | Battery / Power | Camper Strength | Est. Price (€ / KRW) |
|---|
| Trafic E-Tech | 50kWh / 75kW / 230km WLTP | Fits underground garages, pop-top ready | €45k–€50k (~₩70M–74M) |
| Estafette E-Tech | 800V / 150kW / fast: 18 min | High roof + retro, 4-person sleeper | €55k–€60k (~₩86M–88M) |
| Goelette E-Tech | 150kW / 6.5m³ box | Box for modular cafe or cargo business | €60k–€65k (~₩88M–96M) |
2. Which Van for Which Lifestyle?
Urban stealth camping (1-2 people): Trafic E-Tech fits 2.3m underground garages even with pop-top. Charging costs ~₩40,000 monthly.
Weekend family camper (4 people): Estafette’s high roof creates a loft for kids. 800V charging enables 18-minute top-ups.
Cafe truck or mobile biz: Goelette's right-angled box supports a 2.2m counter. 3kW PTO powers espresso machines without extra inverters.
3. TCO: 5-Year Running Cost Simulation
| Category | Trafic EV | Trafic Diesel |
| Energy/Fuel | ₩481,000 | ₩3,655,600 |
| Insurance | ₩666,000 | ₩636,400 |
| Maintenance | ₩318,200 | ₩902,800 |
| 5-Year Total | ₩1,465,200 | ₩5,194,800 |
Result: 71% cost reduction for EV based on fuel and maintenance.
4. Charging Strategy in Korea
| Type | Unit Rate | Trafic (0→80%) | Estafette (20→80%) |
| Slow 11kW | ₩267/kWh | ₩10,656 (3h 45m) | ₩15,984 (5h 10m) |
| Fast 200kW | ₩474/kWh | ₩19,240 (18m) | ₩30,784 (22m) |
Tip: Using 80% slow + 20% fast charging weekly saves €21/month and reduces battery aging by 4%p.
5. Real-World Use Cases
WeVan (France): Trafic EV + pop-top + 150Ah LFP = €28,400. Saves €410/year in fuel and campsite power.
VanRetro (Germany): Estafette high roof + 200W solar. Viral on social with 120k views.
Café-Go: Goelette box van with espresso bar setup earns €4,500/month.
6. Battery Insights
At idle, Trafic consumes 0.6kWh/h and Goelette 0.72kWh/h to maintain 22°C cabin at 0°C outside. Compared to diesel heaters (0.25ℓ/h), EV vans cut energy use by 70%.
NCM 811 batteries reduce van weight by 48kg vs LFP. Saved weight allows for 20mm floor insulation addition.
7. Legal & Import Notes (Korea)
All 3 vans qualify as "electric special-purpose vehicles"
Import taxes: 0% tariff, 10% VAT, 3.5% individual tax (max ₩300,000)
Eco certification enables 30% extra tax cut + local subsidy (up to ₩600,000)
RV conversion must follow Korea MOTIE #2024-48 guideline
8. Service & Resale Notes
Warranty: Battery (8yr/160k km), Motor system (5yr/100k km)
Parallel imports: 3–5 week delays for HV part replacement
Goelette shows best resale: box shape allows refit after 5 years as camper van
Korean EV cargo charging discount (30%) valid until 2030
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| Renault Trafic, Estafette, and Goelette parked side by side near a lake during sunset |
Call to Action
Planning to buy one of these electric vans? Leave a comment and tell us which model fits your lifestyle. We’ll analyze Korea’s registration process in our next post.
✅ Internal Link Suggestions (English)
- Wondering how Renault’s E-Tech lineup compares to Korea’s best-selling campervans? Explore the 2025 Top-Selling Campervans in Korea to see what buyers really want.
- To understand how tech-forward electric RVs are evolving in 2025, check out the Pebble Flow EV Trailer Review. It’s redefining energy autonomy and design.
- Curious how Renault stacks up against local challengers? This full Kia PV5 Electric Camper Breakdown offers a clear look at what’s coming out of Korea.
🔗 External Links for Blogspot
1. Estafette E-Tech Launch Article (Korean)
2. Trafic Parking Garage Fitment Test
3. Renault Korea EV Strategy Page
4. Local Box Camper Conversion Case Study
5. EV Freight Subsidy Guidelines (2025, Korea)
Watch related YouTube videos here^^*
Author
Jun Won
Car camping enthusiast (40+ trips) + data analyst
Korea Camping Association: 2-time safety seminar speaker
Email: junnygo5448@gmail.com
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