Groupe Renault has acquired the French company PVI, short for Power Vehicle Innovation, with a view to accelerating the growth of its Light Commercial Vehicle business.
The assets of PVI, which boasts recognised expertise in the design and conversion of commercial vehicles running on natural gas or electricity, complement those of Renault. PVI’s expertise and small-scale, flexible production facility will benefit Renault, while Renault will provide economies of scale for the purchasing of components as well as a significant technology portfolio.
PVI has previously worked with Renault on the development and electrification of the upcoming Renault Master Z.E. This large van, which was unveiled at the Brussels Motor Show on January 13, 2017 and which is due to be launched before the end of 2017, will extend the Group’s existing range of electric LCVs.
This electric version of Master is aimed primarily at fleets running last-mile distribution services in the city, as well as large municipalities and local government. This heavy van’s load characteristics, range and charge time are tailored to the needs of business customers in and around cities.
Master Z.E. is equipped with the “Z.E. 33” battery (33 kWh) and fitted with the R75, an engine of advanced energy efficiency,with output of 57 kW/76 hp, inherited from ZOE. Master Z.E. has a range of 200 km (124 miles) NEDC.
Master Z.E. takes less than one night to charge: a full charge takes six hours with the 7 kW WallBox.
“We are very pleased to welcome PVI’s team specialising in electric conversions to Groupe Renault,” says Ashwani Gupta, SVP, LCV Division. “This acquisition is part of the Group’s strategy to develop its business by proposing a complete range of electric LCVs coupled with connected services. As the number one European manufacturer of electric LCVs, this is a unique opportunity for our teams to work on the next generation of this type of car. Together we will continue to innovate to ensure increasing proximity with our business customers while addressing their every need.”
