Three new electric commercial vehicles from Renault will feature a revolutionary software-defined vehicle (SDV) architecture when they debut at the CV Show in Birmingham at the end of April.
The Trafic, Estafette, and Goelette models will be the first Renault vehicles built on a flexible platform developed by Ampere that centralizes software architecture. This marks a significant departure from traditional vehicle design, which typically involves numerous electronic control units – up to 80 per vehicle – limiting performance and feature integration.
Ampere’s new approach mimics high-performance computers, using a centralized operating system to control vehicle functions. High-capacity onboard computers process data from sensors, driver assistance systems, powertrain, chassis control, and multimedia services, functioning essentially as the vehicle’s brain.
The system allows business users to upgrade their vehicles throughout their service life, similar to updating a laptop or smartphone. This capability enables personalized functions tailored to specific business needs, such as dedicated applications for specialized vehicles like ambulances, refrigerated transport, or police vehicles.
Delivery companies will be able to integrate their operating systems with the vehicle’s multimedia system to send real-time information to drivers. Fleet users can access personalized interfaces with preferred settings and applications.
The SDV architecture also enhances predictive maintenance capabilities, allowing real-time tracking of component wear and remote diagnostics. This feature will help fleet managers optimize costs and vehicle availability.
Another significant advantage of the system is its potential impact on residual value. Vehicles three or four years old may depreciate less as they can be enhanced with new functions over time – particularly beneficial for commercial vehicles that typically have longer service lives and undergo more intensive use than passenger cars.
The three electric models have been developed in partnership with Flexis and will be manufactured at Renault’s Sandouville plant in France. Their official presentation will take place on April 29 at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham.
