Renault Revives Estafette as ZFlexEVan: A High-Tech, City-Focused Load-Lugger
Renault has recently unveiled its latest concept, the ZFlexEVan, which is a modern interpretation of the classic Estafette van. This new electric van is a result of Renault’s partnership with Volvo Trucks and is designed to stand out in the market with its unique, eye-catching design. In this article, we will explore the features and capabilities of the ZFlexEVan, as well as its potential impact on the commercial van market.
Standout Design and City-Focused Features
One of the key highlights of the ZFlexEVan is its distinctive design. Renault has taken inspiration from the Estafette, incorporating its twin round headlights and soft curves into the new concept. This, combined with a striking grey and yellow livery, aims to brighten up the streets of European cities. According to Sandeep Bhambra, chief designer of concept cars for Renault’s electric car spin-off Ampere, the goal is to make vans more expressive and endearing, moving away from the traditional anonymous shapes.
In addition to its eye-catching design, the ZFlexEVan offers practical features tailored to urban environments. Despite being longer than a BMW 3 Series, the van has a turning circle comparable to that of a Renault Clio, making it maneuverable in tight city streets. The van is also tall, standing at 2.59m, allowing the driver to walk the length of the van from the cockpit to the cargo bay without crouching. This design feature aims to improve efficiency and save time during deliveries, which Renault estimates can increase the profitability of logistics operators by 1%.
Customizable and Software-Defined Vehicle
Renault has positioned the ZFlexEVan as its first software-defined vehicle. Similar to a smartphone, the van can be extensively customized through its on-board operating system. For example, a van retrofitted with fridges in the cargo bay can have its dashboard reprogrammed to display the temperature of those fridges. This level of customization extends to other aspects of the van as well, such as range, on-board safety systems, and connectivity to fleet management systems. Renault claims that these software-defined features will make the van 30% cheaper to run compared to existing vans.
Partnership with Volvo Trucks and Future Plans
The ZFlexEVan is not just a concept; Renault plans to put it into production in two years. The van will serve as the flagship model for Flexis, Renault’s commercial vehicle joint venture with Volvo Trucks. In April, Renault Group chief Luca de Meo referred to the partnership with Volvo Trucks as the “Tesla of the commercial vehicle,” indicating their ambition to dominate the European van market.
The Future of Electric Vans
The ZFlexEVan represents a significant step forward for electric vans in terms of design, functionality, and customization. With its focus on urban environments, Renault aims to address the growing demand for sustainable and efficient delivery solutions. The customizable software-defined features and the potential for future updates further enhance the van’s appeal.
Conclusion
Renault’s revival of the Estafette as the ZFlexEVan showcases their commitment to innovation and sustainability in the commercial vehicle market. The unique design, city-focused features, and software-defined capabilities make the ZFlexEVan a promising contender in the electric van segment. As Renault and Volvo Trucks continue to collaborate and push the boundaries of commercial electric vehicles, we can expect to see more exciting developments in this space in the coming years.
Sources:
– Autocar: [Renault Estafette revived as high-tech city van](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/renault-estafette-revived-high-tech-city-van)
– Autocar: [Renault and Volvo to partner on electric vans to rival Tesla](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/renault-volvo-group-partner-commercial-evs-be-tesla-vans)