Renault, the French automotive giant, has brought back the Estafette, a name that has been dormant since 1980, in the form of a modern electric cargo van tailored to the needs of today’s urban logistics. The original Estafette was introduced in 1959 and quickly became a popular option for commercial transport, offering front-wheel drive, a front engine, and a spacious interior ideal for cargo hauling.
After more than two decades of success, it was replaced by the Renault Trafic in 1980. Now, Renault has revived the Estafette as a forward-looking, all-electric concept vehicle designed to cater to the growing demand for eco-friendly, urban-friendly delivery solutions.
The new Estafette Concept reimagines the classic design with modern needs in mind. It’s built to meet the demands of last-mile delivery in urban settings. According to Renault, the production version is expected to hit the market within two years. This transition marks an important shift towards electric utility vehicles that are specifically engineered for sustainability, connectivity, and practicality in congested city environments.
Improved dimensions and cargo features
One of the major updates in the Estafette Concept is the increase in size. The roof height has been expanded from 1.85 meters to 2.59 meters, providing even more space for hauling cargo. The length has also been increased, now measuring 4.87 meters, up from 4.6 meters. Despite these changes, the width remains consistent at 1.92 meters, maintaining a compact form factor ideal for maneuvering through urban streets. The side sliding door has been replaced by a full-height roller shutter, complete with a fold-out step for easier access to the cargo area.
Inside, the cockpit is designed with a striking yellow theme, contrasted by darker tones in the flooring and side panels. A single swivel seat gives the driver flexibility, while the dashboard features a modern technological setup, including a seven-inch telemetry display, a 12-inch infotainment system, and 10-inch digital wing mirrors. A range of smaller screens display customizable widgets that allow for constant connectivity.
As Flexis Group CEO Philippe Divry remarked, the Estafette Concept represents the future of electric utility vehicles—compact, connected, and engineered for fully sustainable delivery services. This highlights Renault’s ambition to offer a vehicle that fits seamlessly into the future of urban transportation.
Built on a flexible platform for future needs
The Estafette EV is being developed under Flexis Group, a joint venture between Renault, Volvo, and CMA CGM Group. This collaboration ensures that the van will ride on the FlexEVan platform, which is designed to be future-proof. The platform includes Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) architecture, which allows for real-time updates and predictive maintenance, reducing operating costs by 30 percent. This makes the Estafette Concept not only practical for today but also adaptable to future demands in urban delivery services.
A blend of heritage and modern design
While the Estafette Concept embraces modern technology, it retains some of the visual elements of its predecessor. Circular headlamps, a descending bonnet line, and a large grille give it a nostalgic look, while modern touches like arrow-shaped taillight indicators and wafer-thin windscreen pillars for improved visibility bring it up to date.
Inside the cargo area, the van features foldaway shelves that help organize goods, making loading and unloading more efficient. An automatic sliding door separates the cockpit from the cargo space, ensuring that the vehicle is not only practical but also convenient for drivers managing multiple deliveries in a busy city environment.
Source: Renault
