Renault Estafette becomes electric city van in Flexis partnership.

Exciting news from the IAA 2024 show in Hanover as Flexis debuts a new concept previewing a future urban electric van. Flexis, a joint venture by Renault Group, Volvo Group, and CMA CGM Group, has reimagined Renault’s former Estafette flagship van 65 years after its launch.

The original Estafette, known for its economy and practicality, set the benchmark in its time. The new urban electric van builds on this legacy, offering a compact yet spacious design tailored for city use. Combining the length of the Kangoo L2, the agility of the Clio, and the load capacity of the Trafic L1H2, this electric van helps drivers and fleets meet operational needs and safety requirements in urban environments.

Constructed on the FlexEVan platform developed by Renault with its Flexis partners, the van is just 4.87m long and 1.92m wide, similar to the Kangoo L2. This compact size allows it to fit into standard parking spots with a turning circle comparable to that of a Clio. Despite its small footprint, the van boasts an impressive height of 2.59m, offering a generous load capacity of 7.1m – almost as spacious as the Trafic L1H2.

One unique feature of the van is its rear roller shutter and foldout step, replacing traditional tailgates or swing-out doors. This design enables the driver to easily access the cargo area and load/unload items directly onto the roadside, enhancing convenience and safety. The van’s innovative layout ensures efficient loading while keeping the driver protected.

Set to enter production in two years, this electric van is Renault Group’s first vehicle built around an SDV (Software-Defined Vehicle) electronic architecture. Developed by Renault Group’s in-house business, Ampere, the SDV architecture allows for major updates, upgrades, and new content throughout the vehicle’s lifespan.

The Estafette Concept features a striking design with a Tropical Yellow roof and a Helium Grey cab, paying homage to its predecessor. The cabin boasts a ‘zesty yellow’ cockpit area with a single seat for the driver. Additionally, a fold-up seat adjacent to the driver’s seat is designated for training purposes. The driver’s seat features swivel functionality to reduce back problems, while the platform beneath the seat offers seven drawers for storage.

The dashboard of the van includes a 7.0-inch driver’s screen and a 12-inch multimedia display. Furthermore, drivers are equipped with two 10-inch vertical screens that display rear views from outside cameras, enhancing visibility and safety.

Philippe Divry, CEO at Flexis SAS, expressed excitement about the Estafette Concept, highlighting its purpose-driven design for city driving. He described it as a compact, connected, and sustainable option tailored for delivery services in urban areas, offering a glimpse into the future of electric utility vehicles.