Renault Trucks and GEODIS are working together to develop a 16-tonne electric truck dedicated to urban logistics. The duo aims for a truck with a comparable total cost of ownership to that of a diesel truck. A press release from Renault says.
The vehicle (project name: Oxygen) will make possible inner-city logistics operations with the elimination of air and noise pollution. Also, there is a heavy emphasis on ergonomic designs and the safety of the driver and pedestrians.
Commercial vehicles manufacturer Renault Trucks has been working for ten years on reducing the environmental footprint of city logistics. In fact, Renault Trucks has a complete range of electric vehicles manufactured in France ranging from 3.5 to 26 tonnes.
Logistics company GEODIS aims to reduce its CO2 emissions by 30% by 2030. Moreover, it has undertaken to provide carbon-free deliveries to 37 cities in France by 2023.
Marie-Christine Lombard, Chief Executive Officer of GEODIS, says, “The environmental emergency combined with the growth of e-Commerce and the implementation of low-emission zones in major French cities mean that we urgently need to step up the decarbonisation of transport. This is the objective of GEODIS in forming this partnership with Renault Trucks. We want to quickly provide concrete answers to the issue of sustainable urban logistics.”
Bruno Blin, president of Renault Trucks, adds, “We have noticed that the image of the truck is changing; at last, it is being perceived as an indispensable tool. The purpose of the project, in which Renault Trucks is working alongside GEODIS, is to design a truck that will seamlessly blend into the urban landscape, among other road users in areas with traffic and even in pedestrian zones. This new truck will be designed for the driver’s working comfort and safety, and for the safety of city dwellers.”
Renault Geodis Urban Electric Truck
Some of the important features on which there is a lot of emphasis in the design of the truck:
- Lowered cab giving the driver an excellent direct view
- Large windshield and multiple cameras instead of rear-view mirrors
- Sliding side door on the passenger side restricting the door opening angle.
- Ablity to get out of the truck on either side, left or right.
- Easier climbing in and out of the truck with much lower access height than on a standard delivery truck.
- Optimal ergonomics and easier access to the cargo space.
- Connected tools enabling drivers to optimize their delivery operations and their routes.
Prototype deliveries are on the plans for the end of 2022. Production will be at Renault Trucks’ site in Blainville-sur-Orne, France, the first European plant to manufacture series production electric trucks since 2020.
Firstly, trials on the truck for urban deliveries in Paris will start in 2023.
A phase of adaptation of the vehicle incorporating feedback from drivers covering comfort of use, practicality, recharging, etc. will follow after real-world testing.
Afterwards, a study to optimize the total cost of ownership will follow – an extremely crucial criterion for mass adoption of electromobility.
