Renault Estafette Electric Van Concept
Estafette Concept encapsulates something about Renault’s vision for its electric utility vehicles moving forward. It is a glimpse into how Flexis – an independent company launched by Renault Group, Volvo Group and CMA CGM Group – will rise to the challenges in the energy transition and last-kilometre logistics.
Estafette Concept is designed for cities. It is a compact yet spacious all-electric van combining Kangoo L2’s length, Clio’s agility and Trafic L1H2’s load capacity.
It was designed around professional drivers, engineered based on their feedback and geared for their needs. It streamlines operations and enhances safety.
Estafette Concept is fully connected and leverages the SDV (Software-Defined Vehicle) architecture in the FlexEVan platform developed by Ampere. SDV electronic architectures play an essential role in increasing performance and cost-efficiency in new-generation vehicles. They also integrate advanced features including real-time updates and predictive maintenance. Overall, they help to reduce cost in use by about 30%.
E-commerce has kick-started exponential growth in freight transport, traffic restrictions in city centres are tightening, and delivery professionals, tradespeople and retailers are realising that their needs will soon outgrow conventional vans. Renault Group is using the new FlexEVan platform that Renault developed with its partners in Flexis to build its vision of the next dream utility vehicle – 65 years after the Estafette revolutionised the van universe. The specs are based on professionals’ requirements and feedback, and the two main goals are keeping drivers and goods safe, and keeping loading and unloading swift.
“We are very excited about helping to bring to life the vision that Renault Group and its partners Volvo Group and CMA CGM Group have come up with to revolutionise urban logistics, to make operations more sustainable, safer, city-friendlier, driver-friendlier and neighbour-friendlier. Estafette Concept is the first example of what electric utility vehicles will look like tomorrow: purpose-engineered to drive in cities, compact, connected and built for fully sustainable delivery services.”
Philippe Divry, CEO, Flexis SAS
| The Estafette’s pioneering legacy Estafette Concept has much more in common with Renault’s emblematic 1959 van than the jovial round headlamps. They are both radically innovative and practical. The original Estafette was the very first Renault brand vehicle to fit the entire powertrain – engine and transmission – at the front to free up all the space behind for loading. The new Estafette 4.0 is the first to feature the FlexEVan electric platform, which is poised to upend the utility vehicle landscape. They were both designed to make life easier for delivery drivers, tradespeople and retailers, and are both remarkably compact – ample inside yet easy to park. They both have two sliding doors for unparalleled convenience and safety. And they were both designed for and with professionals. In 1959, Renault launched its Estafette with a France-wide delivery tournament. Estafette Concept will become a production van in two years’ time, so watch this space! |
