Renault-Volvo Trucks FlexEVan Partnership is in the Works

According to people familiar with the matter, Renault and truckmaker Volvo AB are discussing collaborating on a new electric van project to compete with Stellantis NV.

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According to Trade Algo sources, FlexEVan talks with the second-largest truckmaker are ongoing, and there's no certainty an agreement will be reached. Renault's plan involves Nissan Motor Co.

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No comments were offered by Renault or Volvo's media representatives.

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As part of their reshaped alliance, Renault and Nissan will share the FlexEVan in Europe, the companies announced this week. Since this week's hard-won deal, Renault is collaborating with new partners in order to better meet the needs of the electric vehicle transition. So far, Qualcomm Inc. and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. have contributed to the project. 

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It will be based on a skateboard chassis, which has been used by Renault for the Kangoo and sold over 330,000 units last year. It will be a new addition to Renault's light commercial vehicle lineup, which already includes the Kangoo. According to Chief Executive Officer Luca de Meo, the vehicle will allow real-time fleet management for urban delivery needs.

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In 2011, Renault announced that it would create Flexis, a partnership with a component manufacturer to develop an electric vehicle platform specifically for the new vans. According to the CEO at the time, Renault has already talked with logistics operators and big fleet customers about possibly collecting preorders. 

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A hydrogen-powered van joint venture between Renault and Plug Power Inc., called Hyvia, was also announced recently. 

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A Stellantis spokeswoman said the company delivered over 500,000 light commercial vehicles in Europe last year under its Citroen, Fiat, Peugeot, and Opel-Vauxhall brands. As part of its full-year results, the company will release global figures on Feb. 22.