The electrification has crept in in every nook and cranny of the automotive industry. Even the more traditional segments that depend on long ranges are giving way. In fact, the number of electric commercial vehicles is increasing and their use is already spreading, becoming part of the norm. Now we see really advanced projects such as the Renault Estafette ConceptAlthough it is still a prototype, it aims to be the future of freight transport.
This is a first look at the production model that will be made Flexis. This company has been conceived by Renault Group, Volvo Group and CMA CGM Group; trying to address the energy transition and last mile logistics. It uses the novel FlexEVan electric platformwhich is for a compact-sized van, but is capable of much more. To put it in Renault terms: in terms of size it would be equivalent to a Kangoo, but it wants to achieve the agility of the Clio and the load volume of the Trafic.
Its name comes from the Renault Estafette of 1959, which was very important at that time. It is also inspired in its design with round headlights, although it is much more developed. It stands out for its measurements of 4.87 meters long and 1.92 meters wide, standing out for its height of 2.59 meters. This allows the driver to stand up inside and improves its loading capacity. The sliding doors leave a very wide space and are They get 7.1 cubic meters load volume.
In addition to these fluid and smooth shapes, the Renault Estafette Concept stands out for its striking colours, taken from pop culture. That’s why the prototype has been configured with a yellow roof over a grey cabin. The brand identity is also present with the Renault logo illuminated at several points. windshield forms a kind of triptych to improve visibility, while the interior is very well thought out.
Ignoring the fact that the entire interior is in yellow, something typical of its prototype condition, only adriver’s seat. To the right of the vehicle is a folding training seat and plenty of space around it. That’s why there are seven storage drawers, three on the left and four on the right. Technology goes hand in hand with a 7-inch digital instrument panel and a 12 inch touch screen. In this case, cameras have also been chosen instead of traditional rearview mirrors, so there are two other screens on the sides.
It is important to see how the rear part is separated from the front for safety and also how the focus is on the new electronic architecture SDV. This translates into software that monitors the performance and profitability of these commercial vehicles. All the relevant data is uploaded to the cloud and can then be studied later. It also opens up all kinds of connectivity innovations, so more vehicles like this Renault Estafette Concept will make sense in the future.
