Flexis, the joint venture between Renault Group, Volvo Group, and CMA CGM, was founded in 2024 to develop an advanced, software-driven electric LCV architecture to accelerate the development of electric vans.

Now, Renault has announced it will acquire full ownership of Flexis and carry the project through to completion in France. Flexis was founded with the vision of breaking the mould in the electric van market, which is expected to grow by 300% before the end of the decade.

The idea was to develop a flexible skateboard platform, using 800V technology and a software-driven architecture to improve the vehicles throughout their lifespan.

Renault is taking over

Renault Group and Volvo Group (the parent company of Volvo Trucks and Renault Trucks) each owned 45% of Flexis, and CMA CGM invested €120 million as a logistics partner, taking the remaining 10% of the shares.

Now, Renault Group has announced it is acquiring full ownership of Flexis, pending regulatory approval. The agreement between Renault, Volvo, and CMA CGM should be concluded by the end of the first half of 2026.

No change in plans

No reason is given for Renault’s decision to acquire Flexis in full. There were no signs of friction between the partners. Still, with Renault as the main industrial stakeholder, perhaps it was wiser to also retain full control over decision-making.

The company even announces that there will be no changes to the original ambitions or industrial plans: Renault will see the project through to completion, using the same technology previously presented.

Flexis vans became Renault Trafic E-Tech Electric

The first fruit of the Flexis platform was unveiled in January 2025, with an electric van range comprising three models: the Panel Van, Cargo Van, and Step-In Van.

All used the same skateboard platform, but with a different body style to suit different usage scenarios. The 800V battery provides up to 450 km of WLTP range, and can be fast-charged to 80% in less than 20 minutes.

Later in 2025, Renault presented the new Trafic E-Tech Electric. And, to no surprise, it looks exactly like the Flexis Panel Van, with different body styles to become available later on.

A 150 kW (204 hp) motor provides the power, while either a cheaper LFP battery (350 km range) or an NMC battery (450 km range) is available, both running at 800 V.

With a towing capacity of 2 tons and a payload of up to 1.25 tons, the Trafic E-Tech should prove as useful as its diesel counterpart. It will enter production at Renault’s Sandouville plant in Normandy by the end of 2026.

Renault Trucks will become a customer of Flexis

And, as is currently the case with the Trafic and Master ‘RED Editions’, Volvo Group will sell its own versions of the Flexis products through the Renault Trucks brand starting from 2027.

This gives Renault Trucks customers the opportunity to purchase both heavy trucks and light commercial vehicles from the same dealership.