Renault Trucks have been at the forefront of electrifying their vehicles for many years now.  They have now announced that they will have real-life working versions of trucks to suit all major segments in just two years.

Electric Renault Truck
“We’re aiming for 35% of our sales to be electric in 2030. ” – Bruno Blin, President of Renault Trucks

This follows news that DAF are offering electric trucks for local and regional distribution from the factory. The company already has an electric CF tractor unit grossing at 37 tonnes for urban deliveries, a CF 29 tonner for waste applications and more recently a 19-tonne LF.

From 2023, an all-electric Renault Trucks offer will be available for each segment – distribution, construction and long distance.

To support these developments, the company is setting up an organisation dedicated to electric mobility. The company is committed to gradually electrifying its fleet to become carbon-neutral within 30 years.

As trucks have a lifespan of at least ten years, all trucks manufactured by 2040 must run without fossil fuels. Battery-electric and fuel cell electric power will be crucial to achieve this major transformation towards carbon-free transport.

Z.E. tractor and construction version from 2023

In March 2020, Renault Trucks began series production of its second generation of electric vehicles at the Blainville-sur-Orne plant.

Renault Trucks already boasts an all-electric range, from 3.1 to 26 tonnes. Comprising the Renault Trucks D Z.E., D Wide Z.E. and the Renault Trucks Master Z.E., it meets the requirements of urban transport, delivery, distribution and waste collection.

Preparations are underway to market a Z.E. tractor to and a truck designed for urban construction will also be available to order by 2023.

Renault Trucks Electric Badge
From 2023, an all-electric Renault Trucks offer will be available for each segment – distribution, construction and long distance.

What’s Next? Hydrogen.

During the second half of the decade, Renault Trucks will be able to offer a range of electric trucks powered by hydrogen fuel cells, mainly for demanding and heavy long-haul operations.

An R&D organisation dedicated to electric mobility to support its ambitious goals.

“Electric mobility is the pillar of our strategy and we aim to lead the field,” announced Bruno Blin, President of Renault Trucks. “We’re aiming for 35% of our sales to be electric in 2030. By 2040, all our vehicle ranges will be 100% fossil-free.”

On the R&D side, Renault Trucks intends to meet the main technological challenges of this revolution through strategic partnerships, as well as relying on synergies within the Volvo Group, to which it belongs, to increase volumes and reduce costs.

To ensure hauliers get the best solutions in electric mobility, Renault Trucks will benefit from the work carried out by the Volvo Group’s new development unit dedicated to medium-tonnage vehicles, a core segment for the phased introduction of electromobility for trucks.

Renault Trucks will also capitalise on the partnerships developed by Volvo Energy, the Volvo Group’s new entity dedicated to the supply, second life and recycling of batteries, as well as to charging solutions. As for the development of battery packs specifically for heavy goods vehicle applications, it will benefit from the strategic alliance formed by the Volvo Group and Samsung SDI.

To facilitate this sustainable transition, Renault Trucks will also have the support of its new R&D centre in Lyon – the X-Tech Arena – which will be built by the beginning of 2023 through an investment of EUR 33 million.