Renault Group is set to embark on a collaborative effort with Volvo Group, a prominent truck manufacturer, and CMA CGM, a French logistics firm, to pioneer a new line of fully electric delivery vans. In a joint press release issued on Friday, the companies revealed that these vans will be constructed using a versatile “skateboard” chassis.
The partnership will see Renault and Volvo Group investing 300 million euros each, while CMA CGM will contribute 120 million euros at a later date, subject to regulatory approval. The joint venture is slated to commence operations in early 2024, with production scheduled to kick off in 2026 at Renault’s factory in Sandouville, located in northern France. These electric vans will feature an advanced 800-volt electrical system, as confirmed by Renault.
It’s worth noting that the project initially emerged in February under the name “FlexEVan” during negotiations between Renault and Volvo Group. However, Renault Group has not yet confirmed the final name for these vehicles.
These vans were first introduced in 2021 as part of Renault Group’s Mobilize division, which focuses on mobility services. They are primarily targeted at urban delivery services, rental companies, and small businesses.
The market for fully electric vans has exhibited slower growth compared to passenger cars, primarily due to concerns related to cost, range, and cargo capacity. Besides pure battery-electric drivetrains, alternative zero-emission solutions include hydrogen fuel-cell power and hybrid configurations that combine fuel-cell and battery technology.
CEO Luca de Meo has revealed that a new entity called “Flexis” will oversee the production of these vans, in collaboration with a non-automotive partner. De Meo also emphasized that the FlexEVan is expected to offer a total cost of ownership (TCO) that is 30 percent lower than existing models. He estimated the TCO over the van’s lifecycle at approximately 100,000 euros, with the purchase price accounting for 20-30,000 euros of this amount. A significant feature of the FlexEVan will be a suite of connected services, including over-the-air updates.
