Most operators will have to start taking small steps towards the electrification of at least some of their fleet over the next few years. One pallet distributor Mitchells of Mansfield, has already taken the plunge and has just taken delivery of their first Renault Trucks E Tech D Wide 18-tonne electric curtain-sided truck, supplied by RH Commercial Vehicles.
You would expect these purchases to be made by local operators on council contracts – or perhaps those in areas like Oxford with the Zero Emissions Zone (ZEZ) or at least in London. The Nottinghamshire-based business is family run and undoubtedly a forward-thinking business that started right back in 1968.
In 1995, the company became a founding member of Palletways and has also worked with The Pallet Network, Palletline, and The Hazchem Network. Over the past year, the company has been taking steps toward reducing and offsetting its carbon emissions. New goals have been set to achieve this by 2023, they aim to offset 25% of their carbon, 50% by 2024 and 100% of their carbon by 2026.
Richard Montgomery, Managing Director, commented, “Progression and positive change is a cornerstone of the business. We are doing just that by investing in the latest equipment like the Renault Trucks E-Tech vehicle.
“Our decisions on technology and equipment are based on the reduction of our environmental impact. We want to set the benchmark for the palletised market, by dipping our toes in electromobility, we can prove we are a sustainable business built on trust, sincerity, and responsibility.”
The Electric 18-Tonner Specification
The Renault Trucks E-Tech D Wide is ideal for urban deliveries and its zero tailpipe emissions qualify it to operate in cities that are reducing their CO2 emissions and improving air quality.
It is fitted with four battery packs which each provide 66kW of energy. The truck is equipped with an onboard AC charger and is compatible with DC fast charging. This allows fast charging of the vehicle to maximise its daily operational range. A lot of Mitchells of Mansfield’s operations are within Nottingham City Centre. The city has launched high-level objectives to have a resilient and carbon-neutral city by 2028.
Richard Montgomery commented, “It is becoming increasingly clear that zero emissions and sustainable transport solutions are inevitably the future in this industry.
“It is important to get ahead of the curve and get used to this method of transportation”
“It is a huge investment to decarbonise a fleet but by introducing this truck now, we can determine our next steps in improving our carbon footprint.”
Simon Bailey, Sales Executive for RHCV, commented. “The truck will be incredibly reliable to Mitchells of Mansfield; it can keep up with the business demands whilst having the capacity to complete a full day’s work on a single charge and emitting zero tailpipe emissions. This also means that it can operate in low-emission zones such as London.
“With it being a curtain-sided vehicle fitted with a tail lift too, means the business can continue to operate quickly and efficiently with speedy load and unload benefits and simplified partial deliveries as they did before on the equivalent diesel-fuelled vehicles.”
To ensure safety as well as sustainability, the vehicle has been fitted with the full halo system from SM UK. This includes front, rear and side cameras which provide the driver with a bird’s eye view of what is happening around them. Steve MacDonald MD of SM UK Ltd commented, “Safety on our roads is of utmost importance both in terms of the driver and the vulnerable road user, Sidescan will aid the driver with blind spots whilst Halo will activate and illuminate when in low light situation or turning left”
Combined with cameras, sensors and audible warning systems, the chances of a collision occurring are drastically reduced, making the roads safer for drivers and vulnerable road users.
Steve also stated, “With most local authorities now aiming to create cleaner air zones, what Mitchells of Mansfield has done is start the process of reducing their own carbon footprint with the purchase of The Renault Trucks E-Tech D Wide”
Richard Montgomery commented, “Ensuring the safety of the driver and those around them is paramount to the business. The installation of the halo system will ensure that the driver can operate safely and keep other vulnerable road users, especially in built-up areas out of danger.”
The vehicle will be used for localised deliveries and collections. Richard Montgomery commented, “It has been fantastic to work with RH Commercial Vehicles on such a drastic change. We have had a great working relationship for many years, so we are confident that we are in safe hands as the electric truck goes into operation.
“Having the first truck of its kind in the UK is an incredibly exciting development for the business and I look forward to seeing how it performs in the business.”
Paul Pearson, Commercial Director of RH Commercial Vehicles commented, “It has been great to work with a company that shares our commitment to innovation and consideration for the world around us. I believe this vehicle will be an asset to the business, and we will be working closely with Mitchells of Mansfield as they discover the potential of electric mobility.” Renault Trucks maintain its goal for all its vehicle sales to be completely fossil free. To support these ambitions, their 360° support for customers who branch into electromobility is readily available allowing firsts such as this.
