Renault Estafette Concept: Back to the future
At the IAA Transportation, Renault is presenting its vision of an urban electric delivery van of the future - with a visual nod to the past. With its compact dimensions and round headlights, the Estafette Concept is based on the historic Estafette van, which was built from 1959 to 1980. The new study is based on the new FlexEVan platform and combines the footprint of a Kangoo with the turning circle of a Clio and the load capacity of a Trafic. The first model is due to go into series production in two years' time.
When designing the Estafette Concept, the focus was on two objectives: the safety of drivers and goods as well as fast loading and unloading. At 4.87 meters long and 1.92 meters wide, the footprint is comparable to that of a Kangoo L2. Both fit into a standard parking space of less than five meters in length, while the turning circle of the study is on a par with the Clio at just over ten meters from kerb to kerb. However, the Estafette Concept is significantly higher than the Kangoo (2.59 meters compared to 1.85 meters). This allows the driver to move effortlessly back and forth between the cabin and the load compartment.
The sliding side doors can be opened with a single hand movement so that the driver does not have to constantly pull them outwards and backwards. Instead of a classic tailgate that opens upwards or to the sides, the electric van has a roller blind that rolls upwards. This means that the full loading height is used and no space is required for the tailgate to swing open. However, a large step is automatically folded out each time the door is opened. The total loading capacity of 7.1 cubic meters is roughly the same as that of a Trafic L1H2.
The cubic design of the two-tone body with its smooth silhouette has a futuristic look. Another eye-catching feature is the striking radiator grille below the windshield with the LED-backlit brand logo. The technical look is underlined by two large 3D-look headlights in the lower section of the front end. The large windscreen extends around the sides into two strikingly large windows and offers a panoramic view.
"The Estafette Concept aims to change the way people perceive vans in cities," says Sandeep Bhambra, concept car chief designer at Renault's electric division Ampere. "Vans will no longer have anonymous shapes: They will be endearing and expressive and painted in eye-catching pop colors."
The bright yellow cockpit of the Estafette Concept has a single seat that only needs to be turned to stand up. Drivers up to 1.90 meters tall can stand upright inside the vehicle. The dashboard is divided into a 7-inch screen and a central 12-inch screen that is tilted towards the driver. At both ends of the dashboard there are two vertical 10-inch screens that display the image from the exterior cameras that serve as rear-view mirrors. The cab is separated from the load compartment by a sliding door. It closes automatically when the driver returns to the cockpit or leaves the vehicle - so the goods are safe at all times. (aum)
More info for topic: Renault Estafette Concept , Studie , E-Lieferwagen , IAA Transportation 2024
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