Renault Trucks has partnered with supply chain operator Geodis to develop an electric heavy truck dedicated to urban logistics, which could meet the requirements of city-centre freight transport.
The companies will design a new 16-tonne electric urban truck at a comparable cost to that of a diesel vehicle, which the partnership said is a prerequisite for the widespread adoption of alternative power units.
Marie-Christine Lombard, chief executive officer of Geodis, said: “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.”
The vehicle, named Oxygen, will be designed to integrate all the requirements and functions of city centre delivery. It will work to eliminate pollution and noise and improve active and passive safety in order to better manage co-existence with all road users (pedestrians and people using various modes of transport).
It will feature a lowered cab giving the driver direct view for optimal protection of road users as well as a large windshield and multiple cameras instead of rear-view mirrors for a 360-degree view. There is also a sliding side door on the passenger side restricting the door opening angle.
Additionally, the collaboration is looking for a bodybuilder to join the partnership to improve the ergonomics and cargo space.
Delivery of the prototype is scheduled for the end of 2022. It will be produced at Renault Trucks’ site in Blainville-sur-Orne, France – the first European plant to manufacture series production electric trucks since 2020.
Bruno Blin, president of Renault Trucks, added: “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 Oxygen 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.”
