Renault's first successful implementation of Ampere's Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) architecture has been announced.
Renault, the renowned French automobile manufacturer, is set to revolutionise the commercial vehicle industry with its new range of electric vans. These vehicles are being developed based on the innovative Ampere platform, an electric and software company founded under the Renault umbrella in 2023.
Luca de Meo, the CEO of Renault, will personally lead Ampere in advancing electrification and software topics. The vans, which will be built at the Renault plant in Sandouville, France, starting in 2026, will offer diverse use cases, including refrigerated and police vehicles.
The new generation of vans, including the Trafic, Estafette, and Goelette, will focus on fleet applications and predictive maintenance. The Estafette, Goelette, and Trafic vans are the first to adopt the Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) development approach of Ampere.
The central approach of these vehicles includes a single platform and high-performance computers acting as the "brain" processing information from the vehicle's sensors. This increased computing power and intelligence enable real-time tracking of wear and tear of specific parts, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Fleet users can log in to their profile and access a personalized interface with their preferred vehicle settings and apps. Entrepreneurs will also have the opportunity to integrate their own operating system via the onboard multimedia system.
The vans will feature a centralized software architecture and a connected operating system, known as the CAR OS, developed by Ampere. This operating system can be updated with new features in real-time, ensuring the vehicles remain at the forefront of technology.
The vans will be presented at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham on April 29. For those interested in software-defined vehicles and their architectures, the Automotive Software Strategies Conference on May 21 & 22 in Munich will provide valuable insights, with a focus on China as the leading market. This conference offers opportunities for networking and gaining valuable insights into the rapidly evolving industry.
Additionally, it's worth noting that the conference registration or login is available for free.
As of the latest available information, the name of the Ampere's CEO has not been publicly confirmed or listed in the provided sources.
These new electric vans from Renault promise to redefine commercial vehicle technology, offering a more sustainable, efficient, and connected driving experience. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach their launch in 2026.