Renault has revealed a striking new family of electric commercial vehicles, including a revamped Trafic E-Tech, alongside the revived Estafette and Goelette nameplates. These futuristic vans are set to hit European markets in 2026, but their potential arrival in Australia remains uncertain.
A New Era for Renault Commercial Vehicles
The new trio of battery-electric E-Tech commercial vehicles is based on a cutting-edge skateboard platform and software-defined vehicle (SDV) architecture. This innovative platform was developed in collaboration with Flexis, an independent company formed by Renault Group, Volvo Group, and CMA CGM Group.
Customization and Connectivity at the Forefront
Renault boasts that these new commercial vehicles offer high levels of safety, performance, and connectivity, alongside "virtually infinite possibilities for customization." While specific details about the electric powertrains and interior designs remain under wraps, the exterior styling makes a bold statement.
Trafic E-Tech: A Radical Departure
The new, fourth-generation Trafic E-Tech represents a significant departure from previous iterations of the popular van. With its angular design, short front overhang, and slim headlights flanking a black bar with illuminated lines and the Renault logo, the Trafic E-Tech boasts a distinctly modern aesthetic.
Prominent creasing down the sides and intricate LED internals in the vertical tail-lights further enhance its visual appeal. Renault also claims the Trafic E-Tech has a turning circle equivalent to that of a Clio hatch and a height of less than 1.9m, making it ideal for navigating tight urban environments and accessing underground car parks.
Estafette and Goelette: Reviving Iconic Nameplates
The Goelette E-Tech and Estafette E-Tech breathe new life into nameplates that haven't been used by Renault since 1966 and 1980, respectively. Like the Trafic E-Tech, these models feature a tiered front-end design with small lighting units and illuminated Renault logos.
The Goelette E-Tech will be available as a basic cab/chassis or with a box or tipper configuration, designed for a wide range of customized applications. The Estafette E-Tech is a tall, boxy van with dimensions of 5.27m long, 1.92m wide, and 2.6m tall, providing ample interior space. It features running boards on both sides and a single-piece roller shutter door at the rear.
Australian Market Prospects Remain Unclear
While Renault currently offers electric versions of its Kangoo, Traffic, and Master vans in Europe, only the Kangoo E-Tech is currently available in Australia. The electric van market in Australia is still developing, with competitors like Ford, LDV, Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot, and Volkswagen already offering electric options. Whether Renault will bring its new family of electric vans to Australia remains to be seen.
