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Renault to clean up city centres with new last-mile electric delivery van

The EZ-Flex concept is a compact van that will undergo trials across Europe

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Renault has shown off an all-new concept electric van. Named the EZ-Flex, it follows on from last year’s EZ-Pro concept — though unlike that van, this one could make production if trials of the vehicle across Europe are successful.

The EZ-Flex is designed for ‘last-mile’ deliveries in urban environments. To aid this, it features a super-tight turning circle, large load bay and, crucially, an all-electric powertrain capable of 93 miles on a charge.

Renault says this range will be suitable for an urban delivery vehicle, claiming the average van covers just 30 miles a day. It says that vehicles like this will be a solution to the growing problem of delivering in cities, compounded by the rapid growth of online purchasing.

The rear of the EZ-Flex offers 3m³ of storage, and a low floor height of just 760mm, aiding loading and unloading. Renault claims the rear compartment will accept a wide variety of configurations, allowing different businesses to make use of the van as best suits them.

(Renault/PA)

The cockpit has been designed for ease-of-use, too – there’s a wide driver’s door, super-clear dashboard and smartphone integration to aid deliveries.

As proof of concept, Renault will deliver 12 EZ-Flex vehicles to various businesses, companies and cities across Europe for a two-year testing period. Each vehicle will be equipped with sensors and data loggers to monitor its use, with Renault keeping tabs on the vehicle’s location, mileage, range, charging, and how many times it stops. This data will help the firm to shape the future production model.

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