EV Brief 9/18/21 EV Brief 9/18/21

Renault expands range of electric trucks, with new 18 tonne D Wide Z.E

Renault announces additions to D Z.E. electric truck model range, featuring two electric engines with a total power of 370 kW and battery sizes of 200 kWh and 265 kWh.

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

EV Brief 8/25/21 EV Brief 8/25/21

Volta Trucks testing prototype electric truck, announces Trucks as a Service business

Volta’s rolling testbed will evaluate thermal and mechanical performance, reliability and efficiency, ahead of the Volta Pilot Program rollout to select customers sometime in 2022.

It may not be much to look at, but this is a real-world testing prototype of Volta’s Zero commercial vehicle. Named Volta Minus One by the company’s development engineers, this test truck is the forerunner to the production specification Volta Zero 16-tonne truck.

The vehicle’s chassis frame, Proterra-supplied high-voltage battery, axles, motor and transmission are all close to final specification, and this unconventional-looking vehicle will allow Volta to test electro-mechanical components as well as thermal properties of the truck. The flatbed design allows the development team to easily add varying amounts of weight to evaluate carrying capacity.

Volta will be testing the Zero in conjunction with Horiba Mira, a specialised vehicle development and engineering company in the UK. Volta plans to continue testing the Zero across a range of locations and climates from the Arctic Circle to the Mediterranean, to ensure reliability, durability, and performance meet customer expectations prior to the pilot fleet rollout sometime in 2022.

Volta also published a video highlighting their proposed Truck as a Service (TaaS) business; the decarbonisation of transport fleets will likely require a higher level of initial investment from companies than comparable internal combustion engine (ICE) trucks, and Volta aims to capture the emerging electric commercial vehicle market by packaging all upfront vehicle and ongoing running costs into a single fee. The company projects lower total cost of ownership over ICE trucks for fleet managers, and aims to maximise uptime and operational efficiency of fleet vehicles by providing everything from training and EV charging infrastructure, to vehicle repayments, and maintenance.

EV Brief 3/21/21 EV Brief 3/21/21

Rivian plans US EV charging network comprising private DC and public AC charging sites

Rivian has announced ambitions plans to rollout its Rivian Adventure Network, a charging network designed to help Rivian R1S and R1T customers get to and from outdoor adventure locations across the United States, including Alaska and Hawai’i.

Rivian has announced ambitions plans to rollout its Rivian Adventure Network, a electric vehicle charging network designed to help Rivian R1S and R1T customers get to and from outdoor adventure locations across the United States, including Alaska and Hawai’i.

The Rivian Adventure Network. Image: Screenshot/Rivian

Rivian is aiming to install 3,500+ DC fast chargers at 600+ sites by the end of 2023 along popular highway routes in the United States, for the exclusive use of its customers. In a move that mimics Tesla’s proprietary Supercharger network, the Rivian Adventure Network allows automatic charging without the need for access cards or payment devices, is powered by 100% renewable energy, and can theoretically charge at over 200kW.

In addition, Rivian plans to install over 10,0000 “Waypoint” Level 2 J1772-plug AC chargers at popular destinations like State and National Parks, shopping centres and restaurants. These chargers offer an 11.5kW charging speed, and will be open to non-Rivian EV owners.

Regarding the environmental impact of the power provided, Rivian states that “Through partnerships with electricity providers, we will use wind and solar wherever possible, as well as Renewable Energy Certificates to ensure your vehicle is powered with clean electricity.”

This week, the company announced that all 42 Colorado State Parks will feature two level 2 Rivian Waypoints each, with installation commencing in July. In-vehicle navigation will be able to route customers to the nearest Rivian Adventure Network charge point, and the Rivian app will provide real-time charging information.

The Launch Edition R1T, in Launch Green is expected to begin customer deliveries in the US by August 2021.

The (sold out) Rivian R1T Launch Edition. Image: Rivian

EV Brief 2/12/21 EV Brief 2/12/21

Volta Zero electric truck to make its French debut on customer tour

The Volta Zero, the first purpose-built full-electric large commercial vehicle, will make its French debut at a series of high-profile customer and supplier events, starting in Paris on Monday 15 February and running for four weeks.

66.DSCF1038.jpg — VOLTA ZERO MAKES ITS FRENCH DEBUT ahead of customer deliveries in late 2021

Volta is a European start-up that launched a prototype version of its Zero full-electric 16-tonne in September 2020. The company expects European customer deliveries to begin by the end of 2021. Perfect for inner-city freight deliveries, the Zero has a pure-electric range of 150 - 200 kms (95 – 125 miles), the Volta Zero will eliminate an estimated 180,000 tonnes of CO2 by 2025 according to the company.

For the first time in France, the Volta Zero will be displayed with Swoopin, the global provider of sustainable transportation and urban logistics services, in south east Paris. In early January, Swoopin confirmed the use of the Volta Zero as part of their existing zero-emission fleet of electric vans, cars and eBikes, supporting their last-mile distribution hubs, and helping cities meet ambitious CO2 emissions targets. Over the four-week event, many potential and existing customers, fleet operators and suppliers will experience the Volta Zero, as well as introductions to local legislators and policymakers.

The Volta Zero in Swoopin livery, ready for its French debut. Image: Volta

Under current legislation, internal combustion engine commercial vehicles will be banned from operating in Paris from 2024 as all French cities of more than 150,000 residents adopt new Low Emissions Zones. As part of this legislation, the French government is offering incentives of up to €50,000 for the transition to zero emission commercial vehicles, making the acceleration of fleet electrification of paramount importance to French fleet operators.

Confirming the French debut, Chief Executive Officer of Volta Trucks, Rob Fowler, said; “With the imminent changes in legislation in French cities, it’s clear that the adoption of electric commercial vehicles needs to accelerate very quickly. Currently there is a real shortage of electrified products on offer to fleet operators, but with the Volta Zero, we can show our important French customers that we have a compelling solution that meets their needs.

“When our founders created Volta Trucks, they didn’t want to just offer a zero-emission vehicle, but to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles as a whole, especially in city centres where air quality is at its worst. In bringing the Volta Zero to France, we also hope to stimulate a wider awareness of full electric vehicles in the commercial sector and thus, help improve the air quality and environment for all French city inhabitants.”

EV Brief 11/15/20 EV Brief 11/15/20

Rivian Reveals US-Market Pricing for R1T, R1S Electric Trucks

Rivian has just announced pricing, features and launch timings for it’s 2021 R1S SUV and R1T pickup. Both variants are expected to begin customer deliveries -in the US at least- by summer 2021…

Rivian has just announced pricing, features and launch timings for it’s 2021 R1S SUV and R1T pickup. Both variants are expected to begin customer deliveries -in the US at least- by summer 2021. Launch editions will come first, priced at $75,000 for the R1T pickup and $77,500 for the R1S SUV, and include special ‘Launch Green’ paint as an option, ‘launch edition’ interior badging, 20” all-terrain or 22” sport wheels, and priority delivery.

Rivian R1S Features and Pricing (US Market)

Rivian R1T Features and Pricing (US Market)

The entry-level R1T and R1S models are dubbed Expore, and start at $67,500 and $70,000 respectively. They feature the same 300+mile battery pack, vegan ‘leather’ seating, heated seats, recycled textile floor mats, a standard surround sound system, flexible seating with fold-flat seats, Driver+ autonomous functionality, and a panoramic glass roof.

Order holders will be able to access Rivian’s online configurator on November 16, with the site going live to the general public on November 23.

Source: Rivian

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EV Brief 10/30/20 EV Brief 10/30/20

Rivian R1T Goes Offroad, Tests Real World Range

Rivian R1T prototypes have covered thousands of miles around the world testing, and production looks set to begin in June 2021. Reporter Emme Hall from Roadshow brings this story from the Californian desert, where Rivian invited journalists on a 5-day offroading adventure.

The test vehicle featured the 135kWh battery, which has a claimed range of 300 miles (644km) but understandably, when running on soft ground, laden with 600 pounds of people and equipement, that quickly drops and Hall estimated the R1T achieved 137 miles of range.

With 826lb-ft (1120Nm) of torque, the R1T is a performance beast, but it also works wonders off road. Hall states “The R1T might not have locking differentials, a two-speed transfer case or any kind of tough-guy wizardry you'd associate with off-road prowess, but none of that matters when you've got an absolute ton of torque. I can slowly pick my line up a steep, rocky hill, never worrying about keeping momentum. The sophisticated traction control system moves the torque where it's needed most, and before I know it, the R1T hits the top of a peak while the Jeeps behind me are still switching into low gear.”