Volvo and Renault will jointly build electric vans. Production of the first ‘FlexEVan’ should start in France in 2026, industry partners announced today (Friday, October 6). According to Volvo and Renault, the vans are intended to deliver products to homes in cities in a more sustainable way. The parties expect this market to be three times as large as it is today by 2030.
Swedish Volvo and French Renault are both investing 300 million euros in the project over the next three years. Logistics service provider CMA CGM also has a share with an investment of 120 million euros in the newly set up company, which does not yet have a name. The French CMA CGM is also a major shareholder and partner of aviation group Air France-KLM.
Renault previously announced the plans for a ‘FlexEVan’. For example, CEO De Meo announced the launch of such an electric, modular model last year. At that time there was no question of a collaboration with Volvo. Earlier this year, the Bloomberg news agency reported that Renault and Volvo were in talks.
Renault is also developing a hydrogen-powered van together with the American Plug Power. In this way, Renault hopes to compete with Stellantis. Renault’s competitor already offers medium-sized vans with hydrogen cells for Citroën, Peugeot and Opel.