Renault brings the software-defined vehicle to the light-commercial-vehicle sector with the automaker launching three new battery-electric models.
The LCV models, the Trafic, Estafette and Goelette, are the brand’s first vehicles to feature the flexible, scalable SDV architecture developed by the automaker’s electric and technology business wing, Ampere.
Ampere has based its SDV approach on a single platform with centralized software architecture and a connected, intelligent operating system to control, analyze and upgrade vehicle functions.
High-performance computers act as the vehicle’s brain, processing the data collected by the onboard sensors and, in particular, by the advanced driver-assistance systems, powertrain, chassis control and multimedia/connectivity services.
These use a single onboard operating system and is said to save up to 80 individual ECUs compared to a traditionally designed vehicle platform.
Renault claims the result is a vehicle platform that will suit a myriad of business uses including ambulances, fire engines, police vehicles, refrigerated vehicles and many other conversions.
Organizations also will be able deploy their own operating systems integrated with the onboard multimedia system in order to send out information in real time.
Also, fleet users will be able to log in to their profile and access a personalized interface with their preferred vehicle settings and apps.
The three models, developed in partnership with Flexis and built in France at the Renault Sandouville plant, will make their public debut April 29 at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham.
