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Renault is set to revive another name from the past as it plans a substantial rejig of its commercial vehicle range. The Renault Estafette Concept is a modern reinterpretation of the classic Estafette van, first introduced in the 1950s. This new version brings a fully electric powertrain, aimed at meeting the needs of urban deliveries and small businesses, while paying homage to the original's iconic design. Renault is positioning the concept as a symbol of its commitment to electrification, blending retro styling with modern technology.
From the outside, the Estafette Concept clearly takes design cues from its predecessor, with its boxy shape, split windscreen, and distinctive front grille. However, these vintage touches are contrasted by modern elements such as LED lighting and a smooth, minimalist finish. Renault’s intention here seems to be creating a vehicle that evokes nostalgia while offering the practicality and environmental benefits expected from a modern electric van.
The fully electric powertrain at the heart of the Estafette Concept is designed for city driving. Renault has not yet confirmed the exact specifications, but the range is expected to be sufficient for daily urban deliveries, with charging options that make it easy to top up during the working day. Given Renault’s wider electric vehicle expertise, it’s likely that the van will share some technology with the company’s other electric models, such as the popular Kangoo E-Tech.
The concept’s footprint (4.87 x 1.92 metres) is similar to that of the Kangoo (4.91 x 1.86 metres). However, the Estafette Concept is considerably higher (2.59 metres compared with 1.85). The driver, as a result, can move back and forth between the cockpit and cargo area.
Inside, the Estafette Concept has been designed with practicality in mind. The spacious cargo area is a key feature, with a low loading height and wide-opening doors, making it ideal for businesses that need to load and unload quickly in busy urban environments. The driving position, meanwhile, offers good visibility and a simple, uncluttered dashboard, in keeping with the vehicle's overall retro-modern aesthetic. Pocket sliding side doors open with one motion, so the driver doesn’t have to constantly pull them outwards and backwards then back again. They save a substantial amount of time and are much easier on the driver’s wrist when they make dozens of stops a day.
In terms of technology, the Estafette Concept will likely come equipped with the latest connectivity options and driver assistance systems, designed to help businesses manage their fleets more efficiently. While the specifics have not been confirmed, Renault’s other electric vans already offer a range of features, including route planning based on battery charge and energy consumption data, so it's reasonable to expect something similar here.
The Estafette is Renaults first vehicle built around an SDV (Software-Defined Vehicle) electronic architecture. This means that the vehicle is directly connected to the cloud, linking customers to new services and updates the vehicle throughout its life cycle. The system also learns about the user’s habits and contributes to reducing cost in use by about 30%, according to Renault.
Renault’s decision to revive the Estafette brand could be seen as part of a wider trend in the automotive industry, where manufacturers are increasingly looking to their heritage to create new electric models. For Renault, the Estafette represents a link to its past, but also a way to reach new customers who may be drawn to the van’s combination of retro style and eco-friendly technology. And, like the Renault 4 and 5, the brand has confirmed that a production version will follow. According to an official statement, it will be launched “in two years time”, which would suggest a launch date of mid 2026.
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Tall load cube allows driver to walk from the back to the rear of the van 
