Renault And Volvo Joint Venture Unveils Three New Electric Delivery Vans

Flexis Mobility burst onto the scene last year as a joint venture between Renault Group, Volvo Group, and shipping company CMA CGM. Now, we’re seeing the fruits of their labor as the company has unveiled three new commercial vans.

Designed to revolutionize urban logistics, all three vans are based on an electric skateboard platform and share an electronic architecture. The models also have a customizable interior as well as a low floor height to aid in the loading and unloading of packages.

More: Renault And Volvo Partner To Launch The ‘Tesla Of Vans’

Flexis went on to say customers can expect a WLTP range of up to 280 miles (450 km) as well as a fast charging capability that can deliver an 80% charge in less than 20 minutes. The company also paid attention to ergonomics and driver safety as they noted the driver’s seat has been specifically positioned to reduce knee strain. This is important as drivers might have to get up and sit down 250 times per day.

The firm didn’t go into many specifics, but their Step-in model is a medium van that features sliding front doors. It also has a rear shutter door, which is being billed as a “first for the European market.” There’s easy access between the cabin and cargo area, and the 74.8-inch (1,900 mm) height means drivers can easily walk around inside.

The Cargo Van is an urban last-mile delivery vehicle that has an “easily convertible box,” which is “capable of integrating different widths, heights, and beds, as well as modular solutions including, but not limited to, refrigerated boxes.” The model also has traditional front doors as well as a low cab height.

The Panel Van is perhaps the most interesting of the three as it looks ready to challenge industry heavyweights. Flexis didn’t say much about it, but claimed the model will have superior maneuverability, an overall height of 74.8 inches (1,900 mm), and a “multi-purpose design [that] addresses all limitations of current market offerings.” It also looks pretty good, which is a tad surprising for a commercial vehicle.

The vans will be built at Renault’s Sandouville plant and the first deliveries are slated for 2026. Flexis will sell vehicles directly to fleets and logistics providers, but they’ll also supply them to Renault which will “distribute them under their own brands in their sales networks.”

20 prototypes have been built and they’ve already logged more than 9,000 hours of driving since March of last year. Flexis also noted they have received ten letters of intent from logistics providers in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Among them are Colis Privé, DB Schenker, and HIVED.