30 minute read
Electric the Way Forward for Transport
THE FUTURE OF ELECTRIC TRANSPORT
Diesel may not be dead, but one thing is for sure: electrification is the future, with all of our leading truck and van manufacturers well on the road to meeting their obligations of net zero emissions by 2050.
As the transport sector is one of the UK’s largest emitters of CO2 and a major source of air pollution in cities, we all have a responsibility to address the issue of decarbonising transport, and indeed definite steps are being taken in this regard. It has been said that a new electric vehicle is registered every nine minutes in the UK, and that there are now more electric vehicle charging points than petrol stations, so that is progress, and more is being done. There are plans, for example, to invest £20 million in a new public electric vehicle charging network in over 350 locations across Northern Ireland, with the aim of having 1,500 new charging points before the end of 2024, including at six major ultra-rapid charging hub sites that will see drivers able to fully ‘top-up’ their vehicles in less than 20 minutes. This investment will help address the lack of charging infrastructure in Northern Ireland, a fact recently highlighted by the Infrastructure Minister who is setting up an EV Task force to seek to address the issue, a move welcomed by commercial vehicle operators who are already well on the way to making electric vehicles an integral part of their business. But they are shopping around for the best possible and financially viable deals and over the next few pages Export & Freight highlights some of the vehicles that are currently available or will be in the near future…
£20M ELECTRIC VEHICLE INFRASTRUCTURE NETWORK PLANNED FOR NORTHERN IRELAND
In total, the company plans to install 1,500 new charging points before the end of 2024, including at six major ultra-rapid charging hub sites that will see drivers able to fully ‘top-up’ their vehicles in less than 20 minutes. This investment will help address the paucity of charging infrastructure in Northern Ireland. This lack of infrastructure was highlighted by Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon setting up an EV Task force to seek to address the lack of commercial operators in the space. Charging points will be available in convenient and strategic locations such as car parks. Weev will also offer EV managed fleet solutions and leasing. Co-founded by Thomas O’Hagan, who also co-founded IT and telecoms company b4b Group, Weev’s management team are no strangers to the business sector having been in charge of various successful renewable infrastructure and major commercial businesses based in Northern Ireland. Thomas, who will take up the role of Chief Commercial Officer in this new venture, is joined in the executive team by Philip Rainey as Chief Executive Officer and Graeme Thompson as Chief Finance Officer. The board will be chaired by David Gavaghan with Brian Loughran joining as Director. Speaking on the announcement, Thomas O’Hagan said: “We’re delighted to have pulled together such a strong team of experienced people to help us deliver our plan of rolling out an EV charging network for EV drivers in Northern Ireland that is fit for purpose, maintained, and supported locally. “With the current situation around fuel prices, consumers are now thinking seriously about the switch to an EV, but they need to make that switch knowing that their charging requirements will be met should they need it on any given journey. “Our roll out has just commenced and we plan to have the first users on our network by mid-2022. In total by the end of 2024, we expect to have completed with the installation of a network of 1,500 charging points operational in strategic locations across Northern Ireland.” Welcoming the investment in this vital infrastructure, Mark McCall from Electric Vehicle Association Northern Ireland (EVANI) added: “We have been lobbying to create an environment that was investible for commercial operators to bring new public charging infrastructure to Northern Ireland. We are delighted that Weev has stepped forward to help make this happen. “EV drivers in Northern Ireland have been crying out for action and we are really looking forward to seeing the progress the company makes with its planned roll out.”
Belfast-based start-up Weev has announced plans to invest £20 million in a new public electric vehicle (EV) charging network in over 350 locations across Northern Ireland. Pictured, from left, co-founder at Chief Commercial Officer Thomas O’Hagan, Graeme Thompson, Chief Finance Officer and Philip Rainey, Chief Executive Officer
VOLVO TRUCKS LEADING THE CHARGE
With the whole transport industry facing tough demands to improve its climate impact, Volvo Trucks has made clear its objective for its entire product range to be fossil-free by 2040.While it may sound a tall order to hit that ambitious target, Volvo’s comprehensive electric offering is already playing a key role in speeding up the transition away from diesel.
Back in November 2020, DHL put the first purpose-built fully electric 16-tonne vehicle on the road in the UK. The Volvo FL Electric 4x2 is being used for final mile deliveries in the West End of London, and its performance over the course of the past 18 months has been a key factor behind the global logistics giant signing a new agreement with Volvo Trucks, pledging to deploy a total of 44 new electric trucks across Europe. While the smaller Volvo FE & FL Electrics will make up the bulk of the order – being deployed for local work on urban routes –four Volvo FM Electric trucks for regional distribution across the UK are also included. And DHL isn’t the only operator pressing ahead with a carbon-free future. Far from it. Blackpool-based Fox Group will become the first tipper operator in the UK to begin the transition from diesel to electric, with two Volvo FE Electric 6x2 tippers due on the road imminently. Paul Fox, Managing Director of familyrun Fox Group, says: “Placing this order marks the start of the electrification of our fleet. We understand we are the first company in the UK to invest in electric tippers – and one of the first in Europe. “We are strongly committed to playing our part in the UK’s push to reach net zero and we will be making more of our fleet electric in the future. This milestone is just the beginning of the journey, and we believe if the country is serious about substantially reducing carbon emissions, the construction sector needs to join the party – and we are proud to be playing our part and leading from the front.” The FL Electric and FE Electric have been in serial production since 2019, while manufacturing of the FH, FM and FMX Electric models begins in September this year. And with order books now open, operators have extended options to make their fleets cleaner and quieterfor both urban and inter-city applications. No wonder then more and more businesses are starting to see that battery-powered solutions are no longer a pipedream, but in fact a real and viable option. With the addition of the new products with higher load capacities, more powerful drivelines and a range of up to 300 km, Volvo Trucks’ electric portfolio can now cover around 45 per cent of all goods transported in Europe today.
HUGE POTENTIAL
“There is huge potential to electrify truck
transports in Europe, and also in other parts of the world, in the very near future,” says Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks. “To prove this, we have set the ambitious goal to have electric trucks account for at least half of our sales in Europe by 2030. And these three new heavy-duty electric trucks mark a giant step towards reaching this target.” In addition to the electric vehicles, Volvo Trucks’ electrification programme includes a complete eco-system with numerous service, maintenance and financing solutions, as well as other options that can help facilitate an easier and faster transition to electrified traffic. The holistic setup helps customers stay productive and in control of their new electric transport fleet. “These complete electrified transport solutions that we, along with our global network of dealers and service workshops can provide, will play a vital role in ensuring our customers’ success,” adds Alm. Looking further ahead, even longdistance heavy transport will be able to be completed with electric vehicles. To meet these challenging demands for both high load capacity and a much longer range, Volvo Trucks plans to use hydrogen fuel cells to generate the electricity. “This technology is developing rapidly and our ambition is also to make the long driving distances electrified, using both batteries and fuel cells,” Alm says.“Our aim is to start selling fuel-cell electric trucks in the second part of this decade and we are confident we can make this happen.”
TECHNICAL FACTS:
Volvo FH, FM and FMX Electric: Range up to 300 km. Continuous power 490 kW. Max torque 2400 Nm. Battery capacity up to 540 kWh. Gross combination weight (GCW) up to 44 tonnes. Volvo FE Electric: Range up to 200 km. Continuous power 400 kW. Max torque up to 850 Nm. Battery capacity up to 264 kWh. Gross combination weight (GCW) 27 tonnes. Volvo FL Electric: Range up to 300 km. Continuous power 165 kW. Max torque up to 425 Nm. Battery capacity up to 396 kWh. Gross combination weight (GCW) 16 tonnes.
VOLVO TRUCKS OPENS BATTERY PLANT IN BELGIUM
Volvo Trucks is opening its very first battery assembly plant. Located in Ghent, Belgium, the plant will supply ready-to-install batteries for Volvo Trucks’ full electric heavy-duty trucks.
“This investment shows our strong commitment to electrifying truck transportation. By 2030, at least 50 per cent of all trucks we sell globally will be electric and by 2040, we will be a carbonneutral company,” says Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks. In the new battery plant, cells and modules from Samsung SDI will be assembled into battery packs that are tailor-made for Volvo Trucks’ heavy-duty electric range: Volvo FH, Volvo FM and Volvo FMX. Series production starts in the third quarter of this year. Each battery pack has a capacity of 90 kWh and the customer can choose to have up to six battery packs (540 kWh) in a truck. The number of batteries depends on each customer’s specific range and load capacity demands. “By integrating the battery assembly process in our production flow, we can shorten lead times for our customers and secure high-performing batteries, while at the same time increase circularity,” adds Alm. Volvo Trucks’ batteries are designed so that they can later be remanufactured, refurbished and reused. The plant itself is powered by 100 per cent renewable energy. With production of three heavyduty full electric models starting this year in Europe, Volvo Trucks will offer a total of six electric truck models globally, covering everything from city distribution and refuse handling to regional transport and construction work. “We started series-production of electric trucks in 2019 and are leading the market both in Europe and North America. With the rapid development of charging networks, and improvements in battery technology, I am convinced that we will see a rapid transformation of the entire truck industry in the very near future,” says Alm
BATTERY ELECTRIC TRUCK TRIAL HITS THE ROAD
In what is one of the largest and most significant deployments of zero emission trucks in the UK to date, 20 DAF LF Electric vehicles are entering service with a range of public bodies including the National Health Service (NHS) and Local Authorities, as part of the Battery Electric Truck Trial (BETT) funded by Department for Transport (DfT).
The trucks are now entering day-to-day operations while at the same time gathering real-time data; the results from which will be used in an interactive website to inform future fleet operator buying decisions and help stimulate the sale of battery electric trucks. With the Government having set ambitious targets to end the sale of non-zero emission heavy goods vehicles from 2035 (for vehicles of 26-tonne GVW and below, and 2040 for heavier vehicles) the BETT is expected to make a significant and positive impact upon the move to zero emission vehicles. One of the key operators partnering the BETT is NHS Supply Chain who, supported by Prohire Ltd. in the provision of financing and maintenance services as part of the arrangements, are due to deploy eight DAF LF Electric rigids with refrigerated bodies at several of its locations around the country. Five vehicles are also destined for local NHS Trusts. The remaining seven are earmarked for service with two Local Authority Framework Organisations in school supply operations and Local Councils for use in recycling and general logistic uses. Bodywork includes PACCAR box bodies designed and manufactured by DAF Trucks, and also temperature-controlled bodies supplied by Gray & Adams. All the vehicles in the trial feature the distinctive Battery Electric Truck Trial logo. The BETT is valued at £10 million and focuses on an end-to-end solution, covering vehicles, charging infrastructure, user training, repair and maintenance and total-cost-of- ownership, providing operational insight across a variety of duty cycles. It is part of the Government’s wider £20 million zero emission road freight trials and is delivered using the SBRI (Small Business Research Initiative); a process bringing together government challenges and ideas from business to create innovative solutions. Lancashirebased Leyland Trucks – where the LF Electric is manufactured – is working with CENEX, the low carbon research and consultancy organisation, to create the interactive BETT report and website. Transport Minister, Trudy Harrison, said, “Demonstrating the high performance of battery electric technology in demanding, real world environments is critical to ensuring confidence continues to build within the industry around the future of zero emission trucks. “I’m excited to see more British built green trucks take to our roads with the support of the Government’s £20m zero emission road freight trials. This demonstration will help us understand the full benefits of this new technology as we power up the electric revolution across the UK and boost green jobs in our towns and villages.”
RECHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE
Also key to the BETT will be a thorough analysis of vehicle charging. The project will use 14 PACCAR battery-charging units stationed at 13 operator locations, with capacities ranging from 22kW to 180kW to suit differing operational needs and to provide a broad range of data.
DRIVER TRAINING
DAF Academy Driver Training has been provided for drivers of the BETT LF Electric vehicles with locally based DAF Dealer Trainers also being familiarised to provide on-going ad-hoc driver support as required during the trial.
SERVICE BACK-UP
The BETT vehicles are being maintained and supported through the DAF Dealer Network, specifically at seven locations, each with two dedicated DAF Technicians benefitting from IMI Level 3 maintenance qualifications and specific LF Electric product awareness training. DAF Trucks has already commenced the roll-out of dedicated electric vehicle training, with 36 individuals within the DAF Dealer network having achieved IMI Level 2 or Level 3 qualifications.
BUILT IN BRITAIN
Leyland Trucks manufactures the successful DAF LF series of distribution vehicles, including the LF Electric which recently entered production at its state-of-the-art plant in Lancashire. The company also produces the latest International Truck of the Year DAF XF, XG and XG+ vehicle ranges in right-hand-drive format. “This is a significant step in the project as we roll-out vehicles for real-time operations,” said Rob Lawton, Principal Engineer – Alternative Powertrains, at Leyland Trucks, “we’re working closely with our project partners in order to collect the most accurate data possible. Electrification is becoming a major consideration for operators,” he said, “and it’s crucial they’re able to scrutinise reliable evidence before investing in this relatively new technology. We’re also very proud to be part of this project and having been given the opportunity to showcase our engineering and technological expertise.” DAF Trucks is among the first truck manufacturers to already have full electric trucks for sale in the UK market, including the 19-tonne DAF LF Electric and the larger DAF CF Electric in 4x2 tractor and 6x2 rigid variant, perfectly suited for general distribution, as well as supermarket delivery and waste collection applications.
THE ROAD AHEAD FOR ZERO-EMISSION HGVS
Here, James Venables – eConsultancy Manager at Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK – shares his views on the technology that will be powering the UK’s trucks in future.
Will it be electricity from an on-board battery, or charge from a hydrogen fuel-cell that powers the trucks of tomorrow? That’s the question which currently unites the truck industry, the energy sector and politicians across the UK and Europe. One thing is clear – we cannot let our customers down, because to do so would be to let the public down. Operators rely on truck manufacturers for the trucks that move the world, delivering goods, collecting rubbish and supplying construction materials. Fortunately, we have 125 years’ experience, having sold the first Daimler truck in London in 1896. That vehicle was designed to operate on as many as three fuels: gasoline, coal gas and lamp fuel. Operators today face similar choices; while the vast majority of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) sold in the UK run on diesel, some use biofuels such as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil and Gas-To-Liquid to decarbonise their operation. A growing handful operate batteryelectric trucks – the world’s first series-produced 7.5-tonne truck, the FUSO eCanter, has been in operation in London since 2018. Part of the global Daimler Truck family, Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK supports a dual-track decarbonisation strategy. We’re one of the world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturers, and we’re committed to the Paris Climate Agreement. Our ambition - to offer only new vehicles that are carbon-neutral in driving operation by 2039 – has been matched by the UK Government, which plans for all new HGVs to be zero-emission by 2040.
KEY AREAS
To successfully decarbonise Britain’s fleet of HGVs requires not only an understanding of the different use cases of trucks, but success in three key areas. When choosing their vehicles, an operator makes a rational purchasing decision factoring in the total cost of ownership and the environmental impact of their vehicles. To support the growth of batteryelectric trucks, the Department for Transport offers the Plug-in Truck Grant. At the time of writing, the grant is worth £16,000 for an operator’s first 10 eligible trucks below 12t, and £25,000 for its first five eligible trucks above 12t. The second part of the equation is product availability. We plan to electrify our entire portfolio with both battery-electric and hydrogen-based trucks. Why? Simple because of the diverse applications and tasks that trucks and their operators face. Hydrogenbased drives can be the better solution for flexible and demanding applications in heavy-duty transport and long-haul applications, whereas battery electric trucks are better suited to lighter loads and shorter, predictable routes. Our work has already begun. Since 2018, operators have covered several million miles in our battery electric FUSO eCanter light-duty trucks around the world, and following extensive testing, the first production Mercedes-Benz eActros trucks are now arriving in the UK. The low-entry MercedesBenz eEconic will follow later this year, and the battery-electric eActros Long Haul arrives in 2024. On the hydrogen side, the fuelcell Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck prototype has been undergoing intensive testing since last year – both on our in-house test track and on public roads – and our goal is to launch the series production truck in 2027. The third and final part of the transition to zero-emission trucks is infrastructure. Operators in 1896 chose gasoline as it was readily available from a chemist. Today’s operators may fill up with diesel at the services on the road, or they may have bunkers at their depots. Either way, the availability of a corresponding infrastructure is decisive for a successful conversion to zero-emission technologies.
CHARGING CHALLENGES
We foresee three different charging scenarios for battery electric truck operators: depot, opportunity, and public hub, depending on the use case. Urban distribution operations are well suited to depot charging, and our eConsulting team recommend charging partners. Long-haul operations carrying heavier cargo will need roadside charging, and the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders estimates there will need to be 2,450 roadside eTruck recharging stations by 2025, and 8,200 by 2030. A joint investment of €500 million by Daimler Truck, TRATON Group and Volvo Group will install at least 1,700 high-power chargers across Europe and the UK over the next five years, enabling truckers to recharge whilst taking their 45-minute mandatory rest period. When it comes to hydrogen infrastructure, we’ve also signed a memorandum of understanding with BP to roll-out up to 25 hydrogen refuelling stations across the UK by 2030, each supplied by green hydrogen. As you can see, collaboration is key. Only with the enormous tailwind of numerous partners from industry and politics will we successfully transition to zero-emission trucks. But we’re determined to keep the world moving and clean up the air that we all breathe.
VOLTA TRUCKS REVEALS ITS FULL-ELECTRIC 7.5- & 12-TONNE VOLTA ZERO VARIANTS
Volta Trucks has revealed the forthcoming 7.5- and 12-tonne Volta Zero variants - the second product family in its full-electric vehicle range. They have been designed by Volta Trucks’ partner, Astheimer Design in Warwick, UK, alongside Volta Trucks’ own engineering teams.
The new full-electric vehicles bear a close but evolutionary visual relationship to the larger 16-tonne vehicle which is now undergoing extensive engineering development and testing ahead of customer evaluation during 2022. The 7.5- and 12-tonne vehicles will be visually identical at the front, with the 12-tonne vehicle having a longer chassis and body, and second set of rear wheels and tyres, to accommodate the increased vehicle payload. The 7.5-and 12-tonne models carry over the principles of the innovative cab and premium working environment for drivers. The vehicle’s ground-up design, without the traditional internal combustion engine, has enabled designers and engineers to completely rethink truck design in this segment.
DIRECT VISION
The driver of a Volta Zero has a wide 220-degrees of direct vision around the vehicle. This panoramic view of the surroundings through a glasshouse-style cab is designed to deliver a Transport for London five-star Direct Vision Standard rating for optimum visibility and the reduction of blind spots. The protection of vulnerable road users is also enhanced by the use of rear-view cameras that replace traditional mirrors, a 360-degree birds-eye camera showing the driver their complete surroundings, and blind-sport warning systems that detect objects down the sides of the vehicle. Without the legacy internal combustion engine, the driver of a Volta Zero sits far lower than in a conventional truck, with their eye-line at around 1.8 meters. This mirrors the height of pedestrians and other road users nearby for easy visual communication. And thanks to the Volta Zero’s innovative central driving position, the driver can enter and exit the vehicle on either side, always onto the pavements for their own safety, and through sliding rather than swinging doors to also ensure the safety of passing cyclists The new 7.5- and 12-tonne Volta Zero will also change the experience and workspace for drivers. With near-silent operations and minimised cognitive overload, thanks to a intuitive dashboard and interfaces, the driving experience is more akin to a premium car than today’s traditional commercial vehicle.
PILOT FLEET
The ground-up development of the 7.5- and 12-tonne vehicles is being delivered at the same industry-leading pace as other vehicle developments. Having confirmed the start of the project in December 2021, a Pilot Fleet of vehicles is expected to be launched for customer trials in 2024, with series production due to commence in early 2025. The forthcoming 7.5- and 12-tonne vehicles will make a significant contribution to the company’s objective to sell over 27,000 per year by 2025 and increasing in the years beyond. Revealing the new 7.5- and 12-tonne vehicle range, Essa Al-Saleh, Chief Executive Officer of Volta Trucks, said: “The forthcoming 7.5- and 12-tonne models complete the full-electric Volta Zero product family. They’ll sit alongside our 16-tonne vehicle, that’s currently engaged in extensive testing ahead of the first customer use later this year, and the 18-tonne vehicle that will start production in mid-2023. “Our customers tell us that they really appreciate the safety and zero-emission attributes of the 16-tonne Volta Zero, but also need smaller 7.5- and 12-tonne vehicles in their operations. Our engineering teams are now scaling rapidly to be able to deliver all four vehicles at pace, as our customers ask of us.”
FORD PRO REVEALS NEXT PHASE OF ELECTRIFICATION JOURNEY
Ford has taken another major step in its electrification transformation as Ford Pro revealed first details of the all-new, all-electric, E-Transit Custom.
Following hot on the heels of the all-electric E-Transit that began production in March this year– and the first of four further all-electric commercial vehicles Ford Pro will introduce by 2024– the E-Transit Custom is designed to set a new benchmark in Europe’s one-tonne van segment and help businesses across the region to effortlessly make the change to electrified vehicles. The all-electric successor to Europe’s best-selling van and the UK’s best-selling vehicle 1,2 is designed from the ground-up to fit seamlessly into the Ford Pro ecosystem of productivityenhancing, value-adding solutions. E Transit Custom will be supported by Ford Pro software, charging, service and financing solutions via one comprehensive platform to help increase uptime and reduce operating costs. The newest addition to Ford Pro’s electrified line-up will be a key component in Ford’s bold commitment to reach zero emissions for all Ford vehicle sales in Europe and carbon neutrality across its European footprint by 2035. E-Transit Custom’s no-compromise all-electric architecture helps to deliver a targeted driving range of up to236 miles,3DC fast-charging, and full towing capability– not to mention dynamic new styling. In addition, the new van will help take productivity to new levels using sophisticated connectivity to enable always-on relationships. “This is a watershed moment for commercial vehicle operators in Europe, and another hugely significant realisation of our Ford Pro ambitions,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro, Europe. “Europe’s best-selling van just went all-electric and – supported by our unique Ford Pro one-stopshop of productivity-boosting services – the operating benefits this will bring to business across Europe cannot be overstated.” Among features developed using in-depth insights from van users to ensure E-Transit Custom provides an unmatched customer experience, ProPower Onboard technology will provide exportable power for tools, lights and devices while on site. With an expressive and sculptural design, E-Transit Custom is a working vehicle that companies of all sizes will be proud to have as a trusted partner for their business. Featuring rebalanced proportions, a confident stance and full LED lighting, the new model will set a distinctive new design benchmark in the one-tonne segment. Earlier this year Ford announced that by 2024, four further new all-electric vehicles will join the E-Transit two-tonne van as part of the iconic Transit family, including the Transit Custom and Transit Courier vans, as well as Tourneo Custom and Tourneo Courier people movers. The all-electric E-Transit Custom will enter production in the second half of 2023– part of the most extensive Transit Custom range ever offered to European customers. Further product details will be released in September this year. All Transit Custom variants will be built by Ford Otosan – Ford’s joint venture in Turkey – at their Kocaeli site, the home of European Transit manufacturing, delivered as part of Ford Otosan’s previously announced €2 billion investment in its facilities. Ford, SK On Co., Ltd. and Koç Holding also recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding for an industry-leading joint venture to create one of Europe’s largest commercial vehicle battery facilities, targeting a mid-decade production start and an annual capacity in the range of 30 to 45 Gigawatt hours.
WHY THE FUTURE IS ELECTRIC
The end date for Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle sales has been announced, we are already on the route to net zero and every part of the commercial vehicle industry is starting to feel the waves of change. We have been hearing from Renault Trucks to find out more about how the manufacturer and local dealer, Diamond Trucks, are helping customers in Northern Ireland switch to electric.
For Renault Trucks, the future has always been electric. We have been leading the charge since 2008 to develop our electric offer. And while there have been many debates around different alternative fuels over the years, we are now seeing that the industry knows the destination is electric, too. We are committed to decarbonising transport through our vehicles, technology and innovations that are available today to meet the industry’s pressing sustainability ambitions of tomorrow. Across the UK and Ireland we are in discussions with customers from a wide range of sectors to help them progress their decarbonisation journeys. And wherever they are on that journey, we are here to help them plan and move forward.
AVAILABLE NOW
Today Renault Trucks offers, builds, and delivers a comprehensive range of fully electric E-Tech vehicles, from 3.1t to 26t GVW, designed for urban applications and already proven in performance: Renault Trucks E-Tech Master fully electric vans, chassis cab and platform cab models for applications including grounds maintenance, passenger transport, streetlamp maintenance and multiple city service applications. Renault Trucks E-Tech D models at 16t, 18t and 26t weights, designed and manufactured for multiple urban applications including waste, recycling and specialist services. We also offer our Renault Trucks E-Tech D at 26T with a low entry cab.
WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP
For customers looking to make the switch to electric, our approach is to work collaboratively with operators and introduce third-party expert partners at appropriate stages. At every Renault Trucks dealer across the UK, customers are supported throughout their entire journey to switch to electric by our fully trained Energy Transitions Specialists (ETS). Following discussions with operators around their decarbonisation ambitions, we work to understand their operation, exploring which parts could be performed with an electric vehicle. We specify a vehicle to suit the application and then introduce charging partners who will assess the energy available on site for charging the first, and hopefully subsequent electric vehicles. After this assessment we will recommend charging solutions which reflect the immediate and ongoing operational needs of the customer. Where customers need first-hand experience of the technology our wide-ranging electric vehicle demonstrator fleet is available for customer trial across various applications. We are also working in partnership with a number of bodybuilders to
ensure the change to building on an electric chassis is as seamless as possible and we have contract hire options available through Renault Trucks Financial Services. Additionally, for peace of mind, E-Tech D models are offered with a battery promise of up to 10 years (minimum 3 years warranty, extendable to 5 years); E-Tech Master models are offered with an 8-year warranty, or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first). Finally, once the vehicle is built and delivered, we offer training and fleet monitoring through our Renault Trucks OptiFleet telematics system with regular follow up.
FOR ALL APPLICATIONS
Later this year Renault Trucks will launch the E-Tech C and T models to introduce electromobility to both the construction and long-haul range with the first vehicles to arrive in 2023. These new models in Renault Trucks’ heavy-duty range can be fitted with either two or three electric motors providing a combined power of up to 490 kW (equivalent to 666 hp). They will be also equipped with an Optidriver gearbox. The Renault Trucks E-Tech T and C will have two to six lithium-ion battery packs with a capacity of 180 to 540 kWh. The vehicles’ batteries can be fully charged in 9.5 hours by alternating current (AC) up to 43 kW, or in 2.5 hours by direct current (DC) up to 250 kW. These trucks will be able to travel up to 300 km on a single charge and up to 500 km with a one-hour intermediate fast charge (250 kW). For more information on the Renault Trucks E-Tech range, or to discuss your decarbonisation ambitions and how to switch to electric, speak to the team at Diamond Trucks 028 90 837171 info@diamondtrucks.co.uk
Renault Trucks has launched an industry-first multimodal last mile e-mobility concept, the Renault Trucks E-Tech Master OptiModale, for cleaner, greener and more accessible urban deliveries.
Designed and commissioned by Renault Trucks to help reduce congestion and improve air quality in urban areas, the unique E-Tech Master OptiModale combines three types of electric transportation in one vehicle: a 3.5 tonne LWB L3H1 E-Tech Master van with Low Loader Luton body by Horton Commercials; an eBullitt electric Cargo bike; and parcel-carrying drone from UVATEK. Suitable for a wide range of logistics operations as well as medical applications, the E-Tech OptiModale is designed to carry and deliver parcels of various sizes. Its specially commissioned Low Loader Luton body holds the parcels and acts as the ‘Mothership’ for the eCargo bike and drone helipad system. Grahame Neagus, Head of LCV at Renault Trucks UK & Ireland, says: “The all-new Renault Trucks E-Tech Master OptiModale addresses the pressing need to improve air quality and pollution in our cities while improving accessibility and productivity for operators. By harnessing multiple modes of electric transport, this is an all-in-one sustainable solution that is set to transform the rapidly growing parcel market, and can be replicated anywhere in the world.” Grahame Neagus continues: “The E-Tech Master OptiModale is a two-person operation, offering the flexibility of delivering larger parcels by van, whilst the second team member takes the eBullitt cargo bike for last mile deliveries where congestion is at its worst. Additionally, the drone provides rapid deployment for urgent situations, such as delivering vital drugs or supplies to challenging or inaccessible locations. Optimodale delivers an innovative “last mile” solution and is a clear illustration of the breadth and depth of our thinking, providing Renault Trucks logistics customers with a sustainable solution from 2kg all the way up to 44 tonne.”
VEHICLE SPECIFICATION
Based on a Renault Trucks E-Tech Master Platform Cab chassis with the R75 electric motor and a 33kWh battery, (also available with the new 52kWh battery for even greater range), the 3.5 tonne LWB L3H1 platform cab is ideal for combining both range and payload for this type of operation. Offering a typical range of around 80 miles before requiring charge, this vehicle is ideal for back-to-base operations that are located on the edge of major conurbations where entering the inner town or city requires zero emission vehicles. A specially commissioned 4100mm Low Loader Luton body by Horton Commercials is fully equipped for parcel delivery with folding shelving, with electric cargo bike store to the nearside complete with bike lift, and heli-drone pad system. The latest generation eBullitt electric cargo bike, capable of carrying up to 100kgs of smaller parcels, is finished in a Renault Trucks Red frame with corresponding white cargo box. It is equipped with the latest Shimano e-system that can provide up to 50km of power assist for the cyclist and once back on board the E-Tech Master OptiModale, the battery can be removed and charged within 1 hour to 50%, 2 hours to 80% and 4 hours 100%. Above the eCargo bike location is the retractable heli-drone pad from which the latest generation parcel carrying drone from UVATEK can be launched, carrying high value loads up to 2 kgs in weight. Although flying drones is currently restricted in certain areas, its speed and accuracy is ideal for urgent time sensitive deliveries, for example, over countryside or across water.
