Renault and Volvo Group's commercial division have created a new company, Flexis, which will produce a line of electric vans. Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo called the new division “Tesla among commercial vehicles.” Renault and Volvo each own 45% of the startup. Another 10% belongs to the French transport company CMA CGM.
According to the partners, the demand for commercial vehicles with zero emissions will grow by 40% per year until 2030. And the Flexis project will allow you to profit from this. The first of the three announced vans will be released in 2026. It will be based on an individual skateboard platform that will “completely change” the generally accepted idea of a van.
It will be an entry-level van for last-mile delivery, focused on high maneuverability and space efficiency. In terms of interior space, it is equal to the Renault Kangoo, and in terms of cargo capacity, it is equal to the larger Renault Trafic.
The high roofline and narrow body proportions will provide the van with a turning radius similar to that of a B-segment supermini. The interior is designed to save the driver's time as much as possible. According to estimates, every 30 seconds saved during delivery is an additional 1% of profit for the logistics company.
The Flexis software platform is expected to learn the routes of the transport company and take into account charging stops to reduce the burden on the driver. All of the brand's vans will be based on an 800-volt modular skateboard platform with fast charging capability and a choice of two battery packs. By the way, they will share batteries with high-performance Alpine electric cars.
Flexis vans will initially be sold under the Renault Trucks brand. They are also planned to be offered to other brands as “white label” products. The startup is currently in talks with Nissan, which sells the Renault Kangoo as the Townstar.