Renault will dramatically re-invent its commercial vehicle lineup next year with the introduction of not only an all-new electric Trafic E-Tech but also sister products with electric power, the new Estafette and Goelette.
All three are built on a new ‘skateboard’ architecture, called the SDV architecture, which has been developed by Flexis — a joint venture between Renault Group, Volvo Group and CMA CGM — and Renault says that the platform: “represents a significant advance in the design of intelligent vehicles, offering flexibility, ergonomics and connectivity, with virtually infinite possibilities for customisation and reduced running costs, while guaranteeing high levels of safety and performance.”
The new Trafic E-Tech is arguably the most important model, as previous versions of the Trafic have racked up 2.5 million sales for Renault since 1980. The new electric Trafic E-Tech gets a long wheelbase and short overhangs, but Renault says that its turning circle is as tight as that of a Clio hatchback. It’s also under 1.9 metres tall so that it can fit into car parks.
Classic styling
Up front, there are a lot of lighting effects going on, with LED DRLs, a strip of light that runs across the otherwise blank nose, and a backlit Renault diamond logo. It’s quite a clean, almost futuristic look, which is echoed at the sides and rear. You’ll see a big kick-up in the rear pillar, which will look much more distinctive in models with side glazing, a design that harks back to the Heuliez-built Trafic T80 concept of 1980.
Meanwhile, the Goelette, a name taken from a 1950s Renault van, will be easily adaptable to box-back or tipper-back bodywork. According to Renault, “It was designed for a virtually infinite range of fittings and customised features, with structural parts able to accommodate a box or other configurations tailored to specific user requirements.”
Narrow but tall
There’s the Estafette — another classic name revived for the electric era—which is designed for short-hop city deliveries. It’s a very compact vehicle — 5.27m long and 1.92m wide — but it stands 2.60m high, allowing a person up to 1.90m tall to move around the interior easily, between the cockpit and cargo area.
The Estafette’s styling emphasises its tall and narrow look. It has minimalist lights, side running boards to make it easier to get in and out, and a single-piece roller shutter door at the rear.
This new electric commercial vehicle range will be built in France at the Sandouville plant and will be on the market in 2026. Further details will be revealed in the coming months.