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Renault Built A Work Van That Doesn’t Look Like A Work Van

  • Renault has introduced LCV versions of the R4 E-Tech crossover with the Societe moniker.
  • The EV features a custom storage compartment with a capacity of 1,045 lt (36.9 cubic feet).
  • Pricing starts at €29,300 ($34,700) in France, excluding VAT and before local incentives.

A new option has joined the growing ranks of Renault’s retro-inspired EV. The 4 E-Tech is now available in two work-ready versions for the French market, known as Societe Reversible and Societe Van. Both are designed for professionals who want the practicality of a light commercial vehicle without losing the everyday usability of the standard model.

More: Renault’s Retro R4 EV Could Get A Whole Lot More Interesting Soon

Styling remains unchanged from the regular passenger model, as the Societe versions keep their glass rear windows instead of adopting blank panels. This choice keeps costs down, but it also means Renault hasn’t followed through with the van-style look first teased back in 2021.

At the time, the brand hinted at a boxier tail inspired by the classic Renault 4 Fourgonnette, which would likely have boosted both visual appeal and carrying capacity, albeit at greater expense for what remains a niche product.

Work-Focused Cabin

Inside, the crossover has been reworked to meet the demands of everyday business use. The rear seats give way to a molded tray lined with an anti-slip mat, tie-down hooks, and a partition separating it from the front. Total cargo space comes to 1,045 liters (36.9 cubic feet), with a hidden 55-liter (1.9 cubic feet) compartment under the floor. The loading length stretches to 1.20 meters (47.2 inches), and payload capacity peaks at 345 kilograms (760 pounds).

The conversion takes place at the Ampere Manufacture in Maubeuge, France, by a company called Qstomize. The Societe Reversible is classified as a passenger vehicle (M1), while the Societe Van is a light commercial vehicle (N1). The latter has tax benefits but is subject to speed restrictions.

According to Renault, the target group of the Societe versions is tradespeople, delivery drivers, service and concierge companies, rental companies, and professional fleets.

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Powertrain and Range

Performance is identical to the passenger version, with a single electric motor producing 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS). Power comes from a 52 kWh battery that delivers up to 409 km (254 miles) of WLTP range. Charging from 15 to 80 percent takes just over three hours on an 11 kW AC unit, or around 30 minutes when connected to a 100 kW DC fast charger.

More: The New Renault 4 E-Tech Makes For A Chic Beach Buggy

In France, the R4 E-Tech Societe is priced from €29,300 ($34,700) for the Evolution trim and €30,900 ($36,600) for the Techno, excluding VAT. Furthermore, buyers benefit from incentives that can reach up to €5,060 (6,000) depending on the variant and the customer profile.

Options, however, can quickly nudge the cost upward. Renault charges between €167 and €917 ($200–1,100) for exterior colors, €167 ($200) for roof rails, and €333 ($400) for the all-weather tires with snow and off-road drive modes. Other extras include a hands-free tailgate at €333 ($400), advanced driver-assist and parking tech for €250 ($300), and a Harman Kardon nine-speaker audio system priced at €500 ($600).

 Renault Built A Work Van That Doesn’t Look Like A Work Van
The original teaser for an LCV version (Fourgonnette) of the Renault 4 E-Tech.

Ford’s Ranger Street Truck Just Got Louder And Greener With New PHEV Punch

  • Ford has introduced a PHEV powertrain option for the Ranger MS-RT.
  • The street truck has a combined output of 277 hp and 697 Nm of torque.
  • The company has also launched the electric E-Tourneo Custom MS-RT.

Ford is giving its European MS-RT range a sharper edge with two new electrified additions. The sportier-looking Ranger MS-RT now comes with a punchier plug-in hybrid option, while the Tourneo Custom MS-RT makes the jump to a fully electric version. Both models bring fresh powertrains without losing the bold styling and utility that define the lineup.

Starting with the street truck, the Ranger MS-RT PHEV generates a combined 277 hp (207 kW / 281 PS) and 697 Nm (514.1 lb-ft) of torque from a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engineΒ and a single electric motor. That’s a healthy 40 hp (30 kW) and 97 Nm (71.5 lb-ft) more than its diesel sibling, channeled through a 10-speed automatic and permanent e4WD system.

More: I Drove The Ranger Lobo Ford Should’ve Built For America

Besides packing an extra punch, the PHEV also has the ability to drive on electric power for up to 40 km (25 miles) thanks to the 11.8 kWh battery. Furthermore, the 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs) towing capacity and the 1 tonne (2,205 pounds) payload remain unchanged.

The street truck sits 40 mm (1.6 inches) closer to the ground than the standard Ranger, and benefits from a sportier suspension setup. Visually, all of the MS-RT bits are carried over, including the wide fenders, honeycomb grille, redesigned bumpers, diffuser, ducktail spoiler, and 21-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. Ford has also introduced a new Turini Purple shade for the exterior.

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Inside, the cabin features Eco leather and suede with blue stitching, a sports steering wheel, bucket seats, and illuminated MS-RT branding. Tech highlights include a 12-inch infotainment display, dual-zone climate control, and a suite of driver assistance systems.

Electric MS-RT Van

Fans of sporty vans will be happy to learn that the Tourneo Custom MS-RT is now available in fully electric, plug-in hybrid, and diesel forms. The EV is the most potent option with a single electric motor churning out 282 hp (210 kW / 285 PS).

More: $30K Ford Electric Truck Coming In 2027 Is Seriously Bad News For Slate

The eight-seater version of the Transit Custom received the MS-RT treatment last year, benefiting from a redesigned bodykit. This includes sportier bumper intakes, a splitter, side skirts, a diffuser, and a large roof spoiler inspired by the wild Ford Supervan. Inside, the front seats have heavier bolsters and integrated headrests, while all three rows get Eco leather and suede upholstery with blue contrasting stitching.

The Tourneo Custom MS-RT rides on special 19-inch alloy wheels, but unlike the Ranger, it retains the standard suspension setup.

Availability

The new additions to the MS-RT lineup will be available to order across Europe and the UK later this year, with the first deliveries expected in 2026. Pricing will be announced closer to their market launch.

All MS-RT versions of the Ranger and the Tourneo Custom undergo final assembly at the Ford Dagenham Estate facility in the UK. The models will make their public debut at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich between September 8-14.

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