Renault has been using its back catalog for inspiration again, this time for the Estafette, a concept that previews a production electric panel van that’ll be ready in 2026. Although not as overtly retro-looking as the new 5 electric subcompact or the R17 coupe, the Estafette takes its name and styling cues like the round headlights from the original Estafette van that was a common sight on French roads from its launch in 1959 until long after it went out of production in 1980.
The Estafette rides on a FlexEVan platform
codeveloped with Volvo and logistics giant CMA CGM Group, and at 4,870 mm occupies the same kind of road space as Renault’s Kangoo. But
the automaker claims it has the agility of a Clio and a 7.1 m2 load capacity not far off that of a much bigger Trafic van. An unusually tall
2,590 mm height allows drivers to walk the full length from the
cab to the back of the cargo bay while standing upright.
A shutter door at the rear rolls away to
open the up the full height of the van for simple filling at loading bays,
while out on a delivery route, drivers will use the front side doors for
unloading. Renault claims the clever design of the the sliding doors makes them
easier to open and close, and that having them retract in a straight line
rather than have to first be pulled outwards means they’re less hard on a
driver’s wrist. But having to drag big boxes through the cab looks like a pain
to us.
Renault says the fun design and strong
color choices will help bring an end to vans as boring, anonymous machines. And
it looks far more exciting than most vans on the inside, too, where drivers’
interact with a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and a separate 12-inch touchscreen
in the center of the dashboard designed to run various software applications
that different tradesmen might need. There are widgets below the screen and on the
steering wheel for storing favorite apps and a pair of 10-inch vertical screens
by either door handling mirror duties.
The French brand hasn’t revealed what kind
of electric drivetrain the Estafette uses, but given that the van is intended
specifically for urban use, it wont need huge power outputs or a massive
battery.
