Renault Trucks has introduced an updated E-Tech T electric truck range with a maximum driving range of up to 660 kilometers, aiming to meet the requirements of most regional and long-haul freight operations.
The company said analysis of operating data collected from 70,000 connected Renault Trucks tractors across Europe over the past two years shows that 80% of daily transport missions can be completed using the new electric truck lineup. That figure increases to 90% when drivers perform a 45-minute fast-charging session during their mandatory rest break.
Improved Battery Technology Extends Range
Renault Trucks attributed the increased range to improvements in electric drivetrain efficiency and the adoption of a new generation of high-energy-density nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA) lithium-ion batteries.
The company said it has expanded the batteries’ usable operating window, allowing up to 95% of their energy capacity to be utilized. This increases the amount of energy available for propulsion and extends the maximum single-charge range of the Renault Trucks E-Tech T to 660 kilometers.
According to Renault Trucks, the upgrades are based on operational data gathered from more than 3,500 electric trucks that have accumulated over 130 million kilometers in commercial service.
Three Models for Different Applications
The updated E-Tech T lineup includes three variants designed for different transport applications.
The flagship Renault Trucks E-Tech T 780 offers a driving range of up to 660 kilometers and payload capacity of up to 27 tonnes through a 6×2 configuration.
The E-Tech T 585 provides a range of up to 500 kilometers with payloads of up to 28 tonnes, while the E-Tech T 540, intended primarily for regional distribution, offers a range of up to 450 kilometers and payload capacity of up to 25 tonnes.
Renault Trucks said all three models can recover up to 250 kilometers of driving range during a driver’s mandatory 45-minute break using commercially available 350-kilowatt CCS fast chargers.
The batteries are covered by a standard warranty of up to six years or 720,000 kilometers, with an option to extend coverage to 10 years through the company’s Serenity Pack.
Focus Shifts to Charging Infrastructure
Emmanuel Duperray, Senior Vice President of Electromobility at Renault Trucks, said operational experience indicates electric trucks are now capable of meeting most real-world transport needs.
“Range has long been perceived as the main obstacle to the electrification of long-haul road transport. Operational data now shows that electric trucks are fully capable of meeting real-world transport requirements.”
Looking ahead, Duperray said broader adoption will depend on continued investment in charging infrastructure, supportive regulations and assistance for transport operators transitioning to electric fleets.
“The technological barriers related to the vehicle itself have now been overcome. The performance of electric trucks makes it possible to electrify a growing number of long-haul transport operations, while delivering an exceptional driving experience.”
