High hopes for Renault Estafette e-van

An electric van with a very high roof (about 2.6 metres), allowing someone to stand upright in the back, is expected to be produced starting 2026 for city deliveries.

The Renault Estafette concept based on 800-volt architecture – a software-defined vehicle (SDV) using the FlexiEVan platform developed by Ampere (Flexis is an independent company launched by Renault Group, Volvo Group and French shipping agency CMA CGM Group), was revealed at the IAA Transportation 2024 show in Hannover, Germany (September 17-23).

The Estafette Concept is designed for cities, says Renault.

“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.”

The e-van is expected to help 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,” says Renault which aims to have the electric version 65 years after the Estafette was first produced (1959-1980).

The brand says the two main goals are keeping drivers and goods safe and making 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,” says Flexis SAS chief executive Philippe Divry.

“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.”

More details are expected closer to production.