Electric van uptake will increase by up to 40% per year across Europe up to 2030, according to Renault LCV boss Heinz-Jurgen Low.
Speaking at the unveiling of the new range of Renault software defined vehicles, the Goelette, Trafic E-Tech and Estafette, Low details how Renault is encourage uptake of electric vans with its new range.
“We’re pricing products that will stimulate customers to go electric,” Low said.
“EVs haven’t hit full speed yet. [Growth is] driven by last mile delivery, a sector which in 2023 had a €30bn turnover, and is expected to have a 10% compound growth rate. We’re forecasting a 30-40% growth in Europe until 2030,” he added.
However, Low believes in order for electric vehicles to be successful two key elements are needed; competitively priced green electricity and a robust charging infrastructure.
"You have countries where you have reasonably priced electricity, and you have others far away. You have countries where you have a developed charging infrastucture and some others where there is nothing," Low explains.
"Government, industry and customers must work together. This can only be acheived when we are all pulling in one direction. You will see an acceleration of the transformation towards electric vehicles if this happens. It's on all of us, and we have to grab the bull by the horns," he adds.
Low also confirmed that the existing range of Renault vans will continue to be sold alongside the new line-up of Flexis-made skateboard platform vans.
Although the panel van variant of the Flexis models will replace the current Renault Trafic E-Tech, Master E-Tech and Kangoo E-Tech vans will remain on sale along with their ICE equivalents.
Renault is also set to introduce an update to the Renault Trafic E-Tech, in the UK. A new DC power version with fast-charging capabilities will be added to the line-up. Renault currently does not sell the Trafic E-Tech in the UK with the AC-only charging.
The Flexis vans, and the replacement for the Trafic are not expected until late 2026 at the earliest.
