LCV

Renault unveiled the first electric commercial vehicles with the SDV by Ampere architecture.

Public debut at the Birmingham Motor Show (29 April-1 May). The acronym stands for software defined vehicle, indicating that these are vehicles built on a software basis, including control units, electronics and telematics.

by Corrado Canali

29 April 2025

4' min read

Key points

Very advanced technology and connectivity
User interface is customised
Security, reliability and residual value
Produced all in France in Soundouville
My Renault App functionality
All Mobilize services for fleets
The new electric Trafic debuts first
Goelette available in three versions
Estafette last mile champion

4' min read

Renault is ushering in a new era in professional mobility at the Birmingham show. Whereas until now, design involved building vehicles from the chassis and engine, to which ECUs and electronic components were added, the SDV approach is that the entire vehicle is created from a single platform with the operating system, Renault's CAR OS, designed by Ampere, coordinating every function. The new centralised system manages data from sensors for driver assistance, engine and chassis management and real-time updates for performance in step with market demands.

Highly advanced technology and connectivity

The first ever models to be built using this construction method are Renault's new Trafic, Estafette and Goelette. Renault's commercial vehicles offer a level of customisation and upgradeability comparable to that of modern smartphones and computers. The main advantage of the new platform is the ability to update the software via the cloud, which enables advanced predictive maintenance: with artificial intelligence algorithms and superior computing power, the system monitors the state of wear and tear of components and diagnoses them, and triggers remote interventions that reduce downtime and operating costs.

The interface with the user is customised

Professional operators can log on to their profile to access a customised interface, which allows them to intuitively use their preferred functions and applications, adapting to the specific needs of each sector - from deliveries to fleet management, to configurations for special vehicles such as ambulances or refrigerated vans. In addition, companies have the option of integrating the company's operating systems with the vehicle's multimedia, ensuring real-time transmission of information such as routes, timings, contacts and more.

Safety, reliability and residual value

Renault's new approach not only improves the on-board experience, but also increases the residual value of vehicles over time. Continuous software updates keep the vehicle modern and performing even after 3-4 years of even the most intensive use. In addition, the predictive maintenance system significantly reduces the risks of vehicle failure. All aspects that represent a competitive advantage not only for those who manage fleets, but also for those who use vehicles in particularly stressful contexts.

Produced all in France in Soundouville

The new Trafic, Estafette and Gorlette will be produced at the Sandouville plant in France, in cooperation with Flexis. The three commercial vehicles are the result of cooperation with Flexis, an independent company founded by Renault itself, Volvo Group and CMA CGM Group. They are all built on a new platform that is a step forward in vehicle design, offering flexibility, ergonomics and connectivity. Allowing almost infinite possibilities for customisation and reducing the total cost of ownership, while also ensuring safety and high levels of performance.

The functionality of the My Renault App

Trafic, Estafette and Goelette can count on the functions of the My Renault App, which are useful when travelling with electric vehicles: scheduling recharging and pre-conditioning, monitoring autonomy, for example. In addition to these functions, there are others that facilitate servicing and maintenance, such as vehicle localisation, central locking door status, monitoring of the maintenance calendar and other alerts.

All Mobilize services for fleets

As far as fleet management is concerned, our connected solutions are designed to offer maximum performance and adaptability to the fleet: Mobilize Fleet Data provides basic vehicle data i.e. distance travelled, maintenance alerts, geolocation and more to feed into existing management tools. Mobilize Fleet Connect also makes available a web-based platform and application to optimise fleet management in real time, with services that include both fuel consumption monitoring and useful vehicle geolocation.

The new electric Trafic debuts first

More than 2.5 million units of the three generations of the Trafic, launched in 1980, have been produced. Since then, the Renault commercial has become a benchmark in the medium-sized van market. With this legacy behind it, the fourth 100% electric generation brings forward an uncompromising revolution. The height has been kept to less than 1.90 metres, for easy access to underground parking spaces. In addition to the styling changes, Renault focused on the perception of the vehicle, which had to rely heavily on robustness in use, accentuated by black underbody guards such as the front and rear bumpers. With the lower parts of the doors giving an impression of solidity designed for intensive daily use. Inside there is a 10-inch instrument cluster and a 12-inch central dispaly. The storage compartments, useful for professional operators, are ingenious as well as numerous.

Goelette available in three versions

The Golette, on the other hand, is offered in three variants: chassis cab, with body and tipper. The rear, which is not equipped, has been designed to be infinitely customisable with structural components that allow all issues of use to be integrated. Configurations are adapted to the specific needs of users. Load capacity is 14 tonnes. Renault's historic commercial vehicle has been on the roads since 1956 and is distinguished by its great versatility of equipment. The chassis is fitted with a body exceeding 10 square metres. The cab accommodates 6 passengers.

Estafette last mile champion

After more than half a million units produced from 1959 to 1980, the electric version now has a load volume of 9.2 square metres. The doors are sliding and retractable. The compact dimensions, 5.27 metres long and 1.92 metres wide, facilitate city use. The height of 2.60 metres allows even those who are 1.90 metres tall to move around the cargo area comfortably. Finally, the dashboard is the same as the Trafic with the only difference being that it is 20 cm higher.