Renault has revealed the Estafette Concept, a new electric utility van designed specifically for urban environments. The Estafette marks Renault’s latest step in reimagining last-mile delivery vehicles, combining compactness, agility, and spaciousness with cutting-edge technology to meet the evolving demands of e-commerce and urban logistics.
The Estafette Concept is part of Renault’s broader vision for electric utility vehicles, developed in partnership with Volvo Group and CMA CGM Group through the joint venture Flexis. Designed with the needs of professional drivers in mind, the van aims to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance safety for delivery drivers in increasingly congested cities.
A Vehicle Tailored for Urban Delivery
The Estafette Concept was created to address the growing challenges faced by delivery professionals, tradespeople, and retailers, especially in cities with tightening traffic restrictions. As e-commerce continues to drive exponential growth in freight transport, conventional vans are proving inadequate for the demands of urban deliveries. Renault's response is an all-electric van that combines the compactness of its Kangoo L2 model, the agility of the Clio, and the cargo capacity of the Trafic L1H2. This unique blend is intended to deliver both efficiency and practicality for urban drivers who require manoeuvrability and ample cargo space.
Renault's design philosophy for the Estafette Concept was informed by extensive feedback from professional drivers. The van's architecture is aimed at streamlining operations while maintaining high standards of safety for both drivers and their cargo. The Estafette is fully connected, utilising Renault’s Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) architecture through the FlexEVan platform developed by Ampere. This system is designed to enable real-time updates, predictive maintenance, and overall cost savings of up to 30% compared to traditional vans.
A Legacy of Innovation
The Estafette Concept pays homage to Renault’s 1959 Estafette, a revolutionary van for its time, which pioneered the front-engine design, maximising cargo space. The new electric Estafette continues this tradition of innovation with the FlexEVan platform, the first of its kind to cater specifically to electric utility vehicles. While retaining its compact form, the Estafette Concept is designed to make loading and unloading easier, ensuring that delivery drivers can operate safely and efficiently.
One of the van's most notable features is its two sliding doors, a design element also found in the original Estafette. These doors provide easy access to cargo while ensuring driver safety by eliminating the need to open rear doors on busy streets. The van’s rear shutter opens vertically, making it ideal for reversing up to loading docks and saving time and space during delivery rounds.
Renault has committed to putting the Estafette Concept into production within two years, following in the footsteps of its 1959 predecessor, which was launched with a nationwide delivery tournament in France.
Focus on Exterior Design
Renault’s design team wanted to reimagine the traditional look of urban delivery vans, making them more visually appealing and less anonymous. According to Sandeep Bhambra, Chief Designer at Ampere, the exterior design of the Estafette Concept is meant to be expressive and eye-catching, with a combination of playful “pop colours” to add vibrancy to city streets.
Measuring 4.87 by 1.92 metres, the Estafette Concept fits into a standard parking space while maintaining a turning circle similar to that of the compact Clio. The van's height, however, stands out at 2.59 metres, allowing the driver to move easily between the cockpit and the cargo area without needing to bend down.
A major design innovation is the Estafette’s sliding doors, which open with a single motion, reducing strain on the driver. These doors not only save time but also enhance ergonomics, especially for drivers who make frequent stops throughout the day. The rear shutter, which rolls up neatly into the van, further simplifies access to cargo, allowing the van to reverse fully up to a loading dock without the need for extra clearance space.
Technology-Driven Safety and Efficiency
The Estafette Concept features a highly connected dashboard, reflecting Renault’s commitment to leveraging SDV technology. The cockpit is designed with a focus on ergonomics, featuring a single driver’s seat with an optional foldaway seat for training purposes. The seat can swivel, allowing drivers to stand up without strain, making the transition between driving and loading as smooth as possible.
Renault has also integrated two 10-inch screens at the end of the dashboard to display rear-view camera feeds, offering drivers an enhanced view of their surroundings. The dashboard itself is designed to be modular, with open and closed storage options for added functionality.
One of the most significant technological advancements in the Estafette Concept is its SDV electronic architecture. Developed by Ampere, this system enables the vehicle to receive real-time updates throughout its life cycle, ensuring that the van remains efficient and up-to-date. The SDV system also allows for extensive personalisation options, catering to the specific needs of delivery drivers, tradespeople, and other professionals.
The system is scalable, much like modern internet systems that have evolved from dial-up to fibre optics. This enables the Estafette to handle substantial updates and adapt to changing technology throughout its lifespan. In addition, the SDV architecture allows for enhanced energy management, making the van more efficient as it learns the driver’s habits and adapts to optimise performance.
Future of Electric Utility Vehicles
The Estafette Concept is Renault’s first electric vehicle to fully utilise the SDV architecture, setting the stage for a new generation of intelligent, scalable, and modular electric utility vehicles. As cities continue to tighten restrictions on traditional delivery vehicles in the interest of reducing emissions, the Estafette Concept offers a forward-thinking solution for professionals needing reliable, efficient, and sustainable transportation.
Renault’s vision, developed in partnership with Volvo Group and CMA CGM Group through Flexis, is looking to revolutionise urban logistics. The Estafette Concept is the first tangible product of this collaboration, aimed at making deliveries safer, more sustainable, and more suited to the realities of urban environments. Will be interesting to see if they are able to achieve a significant market position in the commercial EV market.
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