On the 3rd of April in Boulogne-Billancourt, an exciting venture into the future of electric vans was announced by a formidable alliance between CMA CGM Group, Renault Group, and Volvo Group. This initiative marks a pivotal moment as CMA CGM Group steps in with a 10% ownership through PULSE, its energy-centric fund, into Flexis SAS—a venture freshly established on March 22, 2024, by the automotive giants Renault and Volvo. With a commitment to strategically invest up to EUR 120 million by 2026, CMA CGM underscores its confidence in this ambitious project. Meanwhile, Renault and Volvo each maintain a commanding 45% stake in Flexis SAS, promising a hefty combined investment of EUR 600 million in the coming three years.
This triad of industry leaders aims to spearhead the decarbonization efforts within the transport and logistics sectors through Flexis SAS. Amidst escalating climate change concerns and stringent CO2 regulations, alongside a booming e-commerce and logistics industry, the demand for electrified vans is soaring. Anticipated to grow by an average of 40% annually until 2030, the European market for these vehicles is ripe for innovation.
Flexis SAS emerges as a dynamic force, melding the agility of a start-up with the substantial industrial prowess of its founding members. This venture is poised to redefine the landscape with its electric vehicles, combining Renault Group’s acumen in electric vehicles, LCV manufacturing, and software, Volvo Group’s tailored transport solutions and operational excellence, and CMA CGM’s logistical innovation and leadership in supply chain decarbonization.
At the heart of this collaboration is the development of a new generation of light commercial vehicles (LCVs) in France. These vehicles will be founded on an innovative electric skateboard platform, promising versatility, cost efficiency, and exceptional safety standards. The introduction of a cutting-edge connected electronic platform will revolutionize the logistics sector by enabling detailed monitoring of delivery activities and business performance, potentially slashing usage costs by up to 30%.
These state-of-the-art vans will not only be adaptable to various needs through modular design and diverse battery capacities but will also be the first in their class to introduce an 800V architecture. Production is set to commence at Renault Group’s Sandouville plant, a facility renowned for its LCV manufacturing expertise, which anticipates the addition of 550 employees over the next four years to meet production demands.
This groundbreaking initiative by Flexis SAS signifies a major leap towards cleaner, more efficient urban mobility solutions, reflecting the combined vision and innovation of its founding companies.
