Heading
Close X
Menu
Get ready for a seismic shift in the world of Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs)! Renault Retail Group is thrilled to announce that the future of vans is here, and it's electric, intelligent, and incredibly adaptable. Introducing the Renault Trafic, Estafette, and Goelette – the first Renault vehicles built from the ground up around the revolutionary Software Defined Vehicle (SDV) architecture, pioneered by Ampere.
Forget everything you thought you knew about van design. These three new, fully electric LCVs are not just electric; they represent a fundamental change in how vans are conceived, perceived, and used. This innovative approach marks the dawn of a new era, where your van evolves with your needs, just like your smartphone or laptop.
A Paradigm Shift in Vehicle Design:
Traditionally, vehicles were designed around a physical chassis and a powertrain – either internal combustion or electric. Electronic features were then layered on, often resulting in a complex web of up to 80 Electronic Control Units (ECUs) per vehicle. This limited performance and made integrating new features a cumbersome process.
Ampere has flipped this script entirely. Drawing inspiration from the architecture of high-performance computers, they've built their new SDV approach on a single, centralised software platform with an intelligent, connected operating system. This allows for seamless control, analysis, and – crucially – rapid and reliable upgrades to vehicle functions.
Think of high-performance computers as the van's brain, processing data from onboard sensors, including advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), the electric powertrain, chassis control, and multimedia/connectivity services. And just like your computer, these "brains" can be upgraded with new functions, modernizing the vehicle and extending its lifespan through Ampere's dedicated "CAR OS."
This revolutionary approach, designed and developed by Ampere engineers, is set to redefine the standards for LCVs. And Renault customers will be the very first to experience this ground-breaking technology with the new Trafic, Estafette, and Goelette.
Your Van, Tailored to You:
Imagine a van that adapts to your business needs in real-time. With the SDV architecture, business users will be able to upgrade their vehicle throughout its service life, adding new functions as easily as updating an app on their phone. Personalised offers based on actual usage and driving habits could become a reality, further enhancing efficiency and productivity.
This opens up a world of possibilities:
Enhanced Safety and Value:
The benefits of the SDV architecture extend beyond customisation. Predictive maintenance, already a valuable feature on existing Renault vehicles, will become even more precise thanks to the vastly increased computing power and intelligence. Real-time monitoring of component wear and tear will enable remote diagnostics and proactive planning for repairs, minimising downtime and optimising fleet availability – a game-changer for fleet managers.
Furthermore, the ability to update these software-defined vehicles over the cloud will have a significant impact on vehicle value. Just like a regularly updated smartphone retains its value better, these vans will depreciate less over time, as they will continuously receive new features and improvements, leading to a higher residual value – a crucial advantage for LCVs with their longer service lives and intensive use. This "anti-wrinkle" effect is particularly beneficial for businesses looking at long-term investment.
Developed in partnership with Flexis and proudly built in France at the Renault Sandouville plant, the Renault Trafic, Estafette, and Goelette are poised to redefine the LCV segment.
Mark your calendars! These ground-breaking electric vans will be officially unveiled on April 29th, 2025, at 9:00 am (UTC) at the CV Show in Birmingham.
Stay tuned to Renault Retail Group for more updates on these revolutionary vehicles and how they will transform the way businesses operate! The future of LCVs is electric, intelligent, and it's arriving soon.
