Renault Group has signed a binding agreement to acquire full ownership of Flexis SAS. The French automaker will buy out partners Volvo Group and CMA CGM Group. This move gives Renault sole control over the electric van joint venture. Production of the first model remains on track for late 2026.
Highlights
- Renault Group will acquire Volvo Group’s 45% stake and CMA CGM Group’s 10% stake in Flexis, subject to antitrust approval by mid-2026.
- The Renault Trafic Van E-Tech electric will begin production at the Sandouville plant in Normandy by the end of 2026.
- Volvo Group will still distribute the electric vans through Renault Trucks starting in 2027.
- Key technologies include an 800V motor, skateboard platform, and Software Defined Vehicle (SDV) architecture designed for urban logistics.
Joint Venture Restructured
Renault Group, Volvo Group, and CMA CGM Group originally established Flexis SAS in 2024. The venture aimed to develop a new generation of electric medium-duty vans. However, the three companies have now agreed to restructure ownership.
Under the new agreement, Renault will take over all development responsibilities. The deal could close by the end of the first half of 2026. Regulatory approval from competition authorities is still required.
Despite the ownership change, the product vision remains unchanged. The original industrial plan will move forward as initially designed. Additionally, the project continues to target the growing urban logistics decarbonization market.
Advanced EV Technology Platform
The Flexis electric van platform features several notable technologies. These include a dedicated skateboard architecture built for commercial vehicles. The platform also incorporates an 800V electric motor for improved efficiency.
Furthermore, the vehicles will use SDV architecture. This software-defined approach enables over-the-air updates and advanced connectivity. Together, these technologies position the vans to compete in the rapidly evolving electric commercial vehicle segment.
French Manufacturing Footprint
Nearly 1,300 employees are currently working on the project across France. Development teams are based at several Renault Group sites in the Île-de-France region. These include the Guyancourt Technocentre and the Villiers-Saint-Frédéric Light Commercial Vehicle Center of Excellence.
Final assembly will take place at the Sandouville plant in Normandy. As a result, the entire development and production process remains firmly rooted in France.
Volvo Group Distribution Partnership Continues
Although Volvo Group is exiting its ownership stake, the commercial relationship will continue. Volvo Group, through Renault Trucks, will distribute the electric vans starting in 2027. This arrangement extends the long-standing partnership between the two companies for light commercial vehicles.
Meanwhile, CMA CGM Group expressed support for the project’s progress. The global shipping and logistics company helped advance the venture during its early development phase.
What This Means for the EV Van Market
Renault’s full ownership of Flexis simplifies decision-making for the electric van program. Consolidating control under one company could accelerate development timelines. In addition, it aligns with Renault Group’s broader electrification strategy targeting carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040.
The electric medium van segment is becoming increasingly competitive. Fleet operators across Europe are under growing pressure to electrify last-mile delivery operations. Renault’s Trafic Van E-Tech electric will enter this market at a critical time.
For more information, visit renaultgroup.com.
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