Renault Group is in discussions with Volvo Vans to collaborate on the French carmaker’s new FlexEVan electrical van undertaking that can assist it compete with Stellantis in Europe, based on folks acquainted with the matter.

Talks with Volvo Vans, which is the mum or dad firm of Renault Vans and is the world’s second-biggest truckmaker, are persevering with and there’s no certainty that an settlement might be reached, stated the folks, who requested to not be recognized as a result of they have been discussing non-public data. 

The FlexEVan, which might be used for “final mile” deliveries and tradespeople, is because of be launched in 2026. Renault’s Mobilize mobility companies unit can have a model, tentatively referred to as Hippo. The van relies on Renault’s EZ-Flex idea, and might be constructed on a so-called skateboard chassis.  

Media representatives at Renault and Volvo Vans declined to remark. Renault CEO Luca de Meo has stated the van might be constructed with a nonautomotive companion.

Renault will share the FlexEVan with Nissan in Europe, the businesses stated this week, touting the undertaking as considered one of about 10 they may proceed collaborating on as a part of their reshaped alliance. This week’s hard-won deal has opened the best way for Renault to collaborate with new companions to higher sort out the EV shift, which to date embody China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group and Qualcomm.

The FlexEVan will add to Renault’s mild industrial automobile lineup, which offered over 330,000 items final 12 months. Renault at present sells a full-electric model of its small Kangoo van.

Stellantis offered about 500,000 vans final 12 months in Europe, beneath manufacturers together with Citroen, Opel/Vauxhall, Peugeot and Fiat.

The automobile will goal city supply wants with full connectivity for real-time fleet administration, CEO Luca de Meo stated on on the firm’s capital markets day in November.

Again then, de Meo stated Renault deliberate to create Flexis, a partnership with a element producer to develop a specialised EV platform for the brand new van household. Renault has already been in talks with logistic operators and large fleet prospects to probably gather pre-orders, he stated on the time.

Individually, Renault additionally has a three way partnership with fuel-cell maker Plug Energy Inc., referred to as Hyvia, to construct hydrogen-powered vans.