The brand-new Renault Trafic will be offered as an electric van only and will be launched alongside two other vehicles on the same innovative platform. The Trafic will be joined by the smaller Goelette that is designed with conversions in mind and the Estafette, which was previewed by the Renault Estafette concept at the 2024 IAA commercial vehicle show.
The Trafic, Estafette and Goelette trio are the product of a partnership with Flexis, a company founded by the Renault Group, Volvo Group and logistics company CMA CGM Group. They are designed to cater largely for the urban delivery market and will also be sold by Flexis under its own branding.
However, the decision to use the Trafic name suggests that Renault sees this new vehicle as the future of its medium van strategy. When it launches in 2026 it will spell the end of the comparatively short-lived electric version of the current Renault Trafic E-Tech, which only went on sale in 2023. It is expected that the diesel version of the Trafic will remain on sale alongside this new van, though.
All-new Renault Trafic panel van
The new Trafic sits on a new platform that is designed in a ‘skateboard’ style that allows for lots of flexibility and different body styles to sit on top. Renault has not confirmed details, but Flexis describes the platform as having the battery fully integrated, meaning that there is less need for structural support around it.
It is also created to have short overhangs front and rear and an extended wheelbase with the wheels set close to the corners. This allows for greater manoeuvrability around town as it reduces the turning circle – Renault says this is the same as the Clio supermini.
The new Trafic is 1.9m high, which means that it should be able to fit under the majority of urban height restrictions, although Renault has yet to confirm any other dimensions. The Flexis model will come in two lengths, with the bigger version 400mm longer than the standard one. It is also designed to be easy to access, with the Flexis boasting a 500mm-high entry point.
There are no precise details on the battery and range, but expect it to be around 250 miles (around 400km) for the panel van. This could go up to as high as 280 miles (450km) for the other versions.
Renault Estafette to join the range
There will be two different mid-size vans joining the Renault Trafic, in a move that is a departure from the brand’s previous approach. The Estafette E-Tech and Goelette E-Tech might sit on the same platform but they are not simply conversions – they offer completely different bodystyles.
The Estafette takes its name from a 1960s Renault van and is the version that was previewed by a concept in late 2024. The production model looks much the same as the vehicle that appeared on the IAA show stand, as Renault suggested it would be at the time.
It is much taller than the new Trafic at 2.6m high. This allows a 1.9m driver to walk around in the van without stooping. This is to enable them to move directly from the cabin to the loading bay without exiting the vehicle, to make deliveries easier.
At 5.27m long and 1.92m wide, it is still comparatively compact, though – that makes it narrower than the current Trafic while it sits between the L1 and L2 versions in terms of length. The windscreen has three large glass areas to further aid urban visibility. Other features include a single-piece rear roller door, running boards on either side to aid getting in and out and a sliding side door.
Renault Goelette completes the trio
The Goelette is also named after a historic Renault light commercial vehicle – one sold for 10 years from 1956. That version was designed to be easy to convert and the modern vehicle follows in a similar vein.
It will be offered in three versions: a chassis cab, tipper and the box van shown in Renault’s pictures. The cabins of all three are set to be largely similar to one another, with the Goelette closely resembling the Trafic.
The rear has been designed to take all manner of different conversions. As well as the three that Renault mentions, expect features such as a refrigerated box or other bespoke designs.
How much are the new Renault Trafic, Renault Estafette and Renault Goelette and when can I buy one?
Few details have been confirmed at this stage, although more information is set to follow on all three vans. Renault has also not given any more details on how much they will cost or when precisely they will go on sale.
Renault’s partner company Flexis has said that more information will be announced in the spring, though, so more details could be following in the coming weeks and months.
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