Renault expands range of electric trucks, with new 18 tonne D Wide Z.E
Images: Renault Trucks
Renault Trucks has just announced an 18 tonne D Wide Z.E. model to join the 16 and 26 tonne Renault Trucks D Z.E. and D Wide Z.E. models.
The manufacturer is also offering a wider range of wheelbases and special connectivity for refrigerated bodies:
Renault Trucks D Wide Z.E.
GVWR of 18 tonnes or 26 tonnes., each +1 tonne dispensation
Available wheelbases: 3,900mm, 4,100mm, 4,300mm, 4,500mm, 4,750mm, 5,250mm, 5,000mm, 5,250mm, 5,500mm, 5,800mm, 6,100mm and 6,800mm
Two electric engines with a total power of 370 kW (continuous power of 260 kW)
Maximum torque of electric engines: 850 Nm
Maximum axle torque: 28 kNm.
Two-speed gearbox
Energy storage: lithium-ion batteries, 200 kWh and 265 kWh.
Operating range: from 100km for waste collection, up to 180 km for distribution.
Renault Trucks D Z.E.
GVWR of 16 tonnes
Available wheelbases: 4400mm and 5300mm
Electric engine with 185 kW power (continuous power of 130 kW)
Maximum torque of the electric engine: 425 Nm.
Maximum axle torque: 16 kNm
Two-speed gearbox
Energy storage: 200 and 265 kWh lithium-ion batteries
Operating range: up to 400 km
The 18 tonne D Wide Z.E. will be manufactured at Renault Trucks’ Blainville-sur-Orne plant (Calvados), where the D Z.E. and the D Wide Z.E. have been produced since 2020.
Equipped with a two-axle chassis for improved manoeuvrability, the 18 tonne D Wide Z.E. is the ideal vehicle for temperature-controlled distribution, with an optimised payload.
In addition, Renault Trucks has designed a new system to increase the energy efficiency of all-electric trucks equipped with a refrigerated body.
All Renault Trucks D Z.E. and D Wide Z.E trucks are now available with a fridge-connection option, which supplies the energy required for the refrigeration system directly from the vehicle's 600 V traction batteries.
The range of wheelbases available for its D and D Wide Z.E. from 3900 mm to 6800 mm, aide manoeuvrability and optimise load distribution according to Renault. The manufacturer expects strong interest from light construction, building supplies and skip operators keen to offer the best possible service to their urban customers.
Electric trucks have many benefits over internal combustion equivalents; cheaper operating costs and improved reliability for fleet operators, and zero-emissions for drivers, employees and pedestrians around the vehicle. Electric trucks are also able to operate in European city centres at night, in keeping with strict noise regulations.
While Australia has a long way to go in decarbonising its transport fleet, companies like SEA Electric are making waves with their technology, and just this week, the Electric Vehicle Council announced a paratnership alongside the Australian Trucking Association to commence an industry-wide approach to increase electric heavy vehicle uptake.
Source: Renault Trucks