Renault Estafette Concept: the electric van inspired by cities and the professionals who work in them
E-commerce has kick-started exponential growth in freight trasport. 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 at Flexis to build its vision of the next dream utlity vehicle - 65 years after 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 whilst also keeping loading and unlaoding swift.
"We are very excited about helping bring to life the vision that Renault Group and its partners Volvo Group and CGM Group have come up with to revolutionise urban logistics, to make operations more sustainable, safer, city-friendly, driver-friendly and neighbour-friendly. 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 Estaefette pioneering legacy
Estafette Concept has much more in common with Renault's emblematic 1959 van than just 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 remarlably 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 Esatfette with a France-wide delivery tournament. Estafette Concept will become a production van in two years' time, so watch this space!
