Renault closes deal to take full control of Flexis and accelerate electric van production

Renault acquires full control of Flexis, consolidating partnership with Volvo and CMA CGM and maintaining the production schedule for the Trafic Van E-Tech

Summary of the agreement

The Renault group has signed a binding agreement to obtain full ownership of Flexis SAS, an electric van joint venture established in 2024 with Volvo Group and CMA CGM.

• Renault Group will acquire the shares held by Volvo Group (45%) and CMA CGM (10%) in Flexis SAS.
• The operation is subject to antitrust approvals and may become effective by the end of the first half of 2026.

What changes for partnerships and the roadmap

The ownership consolidation does not alter Flexis's product objective or industrial roadmap. Production of the Renault Trafic Van E-Tech, the first model in the line, remains scheduled to begin by the end of 2026 at the Sandouville factory in France.

Volvo Group will continue to market the vehicles starting in 2027 through Renault Trucks, maintaining the long-standing partnership for light commercial vehicles.

Technologies and ambitions

• Flexis has developed technologies for the medium electric van segment, including a skateboard platform, an 800 V motor, and an SDV (Software-Defined Vehicle) architecture.

These technologies aim to meet the decarbonization needs of urban logistics operations in Europe. The joint venture has also established partnerships with charging infrastructure providers, including Ampeco, for depot charging solutions in Europe.

Strategic context

The consolidation move is part of the Renault Group's simplification strategy, under the leadership of CEO François Provost, including adjustments to the EV ecosystem, such as the downsizing of the Mobilize subsidiary and the reintegration of the Ampere EV unit into the group.

In addition, Renault has expanded its V2G capabilities in Europe, launching the first private V2G service in the Netherlands aimed at drivers with solar panels, demonstrating a commitment to integrated energy solutions beyond vehicle manufacturing.

Original Investments

The original partners committed significant investments: Renault Group and Volvo Group each invested 300 million euros, and CMA CGM invested 120 million euros. By the end of 2024, Volvo Group had invested approximately 240 million euros in Flexis, according to its annual report.

Market and opportunities

The European electric light commercial vehicle market continues to expand, with a focus on urban logistics. Flexis seeks to capture market share with electric solutions that meet regulatory and sustainability requirements.

Conversation with readers

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