While no longer available in New Zealand, Renault Trucks, part of Volvo Group, has announced that it will launch a range of electric vehicles in 2019, designed for use in urban and semi-urban areas.

Electromobility is the cornerstone of Renault Trucks‘ strategy to highlight sustainable urban transport. Zero-emission vehicles help improve air quality, curb climate change and also reduce congestion thanks to noise-free out-of-hours deliveries.

Renault Trucks has invested heavily in electromobility research and development since 2009, focusing on extensive field testing. Real-world tests on various types of experimental full-electric 12 to 16 tonne trucks have provided them with vital information on conditions of use, battery behaviour, recharging facilities and specific maintenance requirements for electric trucks.

In addition to these experimental vehicles, a 4.5-tonne electric truck has been on the market since 2010: the Maxity Electric.

“Our commercial experience with the Maxity Electric has enabled us to bring our network up to speed on selling, servicing and repairing electric vehicles,” explains François Savoye who is in charge of Renault Trucks‘ energy efficiency strategy. “Today‘s electric vehicles are a competitive solution, which was not the case in 2010.”

Renault Trucks is able to take advantage of the R&D resources offered by the Volvo Group, benefit from tried and tested technology, and harness synergy between different entities working on all-electric vehicle development such as buses. This puts Renault Trucks in a position to market a cost-effective range of vehicles for its customers in 2019.

A dedicated assembly line for all-electric trucks is being installed at Renault Trucks‘ Blainville-sur-Orne plant in Normandy.