Renault Trucks is making strides in the development of electric trucks with its latest prototype, Oxygen. The company is currently testing the initial version of this innovative truck in Lyon and Paris, and now they are moving on to a new phase with a second version designed specifically for urban logistics.
This new prototype will be equipped with a refrigerated box and is a result of a collaboration between Renault Trucks, supermarket chain Jumbo, SVZ, and Renault Trucks Dutch subsidiary. The testing of this electric truck will commence in October 2024 in Amsterdam.
Jumbo, one of the largest retailers in the Netherlands with over 700 stores in the Netherlands and Belgium, is focused on providing a pleasant shopping experience for its customers. SVZ, their transport partner, ensures the delivery of fresh products to Jumbo’s stores in the Netherlands.
The main goal of this project is to address the environmental impact of urban logistics. The partners have leveraged their expertise to develop a 26-ton experimental urban electric truck that can operate in Dutch zero-emission zones. Starting from January 1, 2025, Dutch municipalities may designate zero-emission zones where only zero-emission vehicles are allowed to enter, in an effort to reduce CO2 emissions in urban areas.
Unlike the previous experiment with Geodis for dry distribution, this new prototype will enable silent and emission-free refrigerated deliveries, ensuring the safety of other road users. The truck will transport goods from the warehouse to Jumbo supermarkets in Amsterdam during the 6-month testing period.
The Oxygen prototype was manufactured at the Renault Trucks factory in Blainville-sur-Orne, the first European plant to produce electric trucks since 2020. Developed by Renault Trucks and 17 partners, Oxygen is designed specifically for urban environments, prioritizing safety, comfort, and modernity.
The vehicle features a low entry cab and a large windshield for enhanced visibility and safety. Multiple cameras provide a 360° view, improving rear visibility and enabling the detection of pedestrians and other vulnerable road users. The truck also includes a sliding door on the passenger side for convenience and safety, as well as an isothermal body for transporting supermarket trolleys.
In terms of technical specifications, the Oxygen prototype has a GVW of 26 tons, a chassis of 6×2, and dimensions of 10m (l) x 2.6m (w) x 3.8m (h). The fridge unit integrated on the chassis is suitable for supermarket trolleys, and the truck is powered by a 282 kWh battery with a range of 150 km, perfect for SVZ’s daily deliveries to Jumbo in Amsterdam.
Renault Trucks and its partners have put a strong emphasis on the design and functionality of the Oxygen prototype, ensuring that it meets the needs of urban logistics while prioritizing environmental sustainability and safety. The testing of this electric truck in urban areas will provide valuable insights for the future of electric vehicles in the transportation industry.