Renault Trucks is taking a big step towards sustainability by electrifying its in-house logistics operations. The company has decided to start with the electrification of axle transport between its Lyon and Bourg-en-Bresse plants, covering a distance of 450,000 km annually. To make this possible, Renault Trucks has partnered with Dupessey & Co and Transports Chazot, who will be using five 44 t Renault Truck E-Tech T electric vehicles for this task.
This move is in line with Renault Trucks’ commitment to providing eco-friendly solutions not only to its customers but also in its own operations. By introducing electric heavy-duty trucks for inter-regional distribution, Renault Trucks is setting an example for the industry. The use of Renault Trucks E-Tech T 4×2 tractors for axles supply to the Bourg-en-Bresse plant is a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable practices.
The logistics operation will involve two partner hauliers making two round trips a day, covering a distance of 360 km. This will ensure the timely delivery of axles from the Lyon site to the Bourg-en-Bresse plant, where the heavy-duty trucks are assembled. Depending on the demand, the number of deliveries can be increased, with up to seven trucks on the road in a single day.
To support the electric vehicles, charging infrastructure has been set up at the Lyon site, where the trucks will require an interim charge of 45-50 minutes each day. Additionally, the vehicles will be charged every evening at the depots of the hauliers. This electrification of logistics is expected to save 375 tonnes of CO2 annually, covering 440,000 kilometers driven by e-vehicles.
Renault Trucks has utilized advanced software, such as the Range Simulator, to study the feasibility of electrifying its logistics flows. This tool calculates the charging requirements based on various parameters like truck usage, load, temperature, and topography. As a result, charging facilities have been strategically positioned to ensure optimal use, with two 360 KW terminals installed at the Saint-Priest site.
Bruno Blin, President of Renault Trucks, emphasized the importance of this project, stating that it showcases the company’s expertise in decarbonizing mobility. The goal for Renault Trucks is to electrify all logistics operations between its production sites by 2030, paving the way for a new transport model. In addition to the Lyon-Bourg-en-Bresse route, Renault Trucks is working on electrifying around a dozen other logistics flows, with plans to introduce relay vehicles for longer distances in the future.