Renault Trucks has reached a groundbreaking milestone in France’s decarbonisation efforts, becoming the first manufacturer in the country to obtain road homologation for an electric retrofitted truck. The 12-tonne Renault Trucks D, originally equipped with an internal combustion engine, has been converted into a battery-electric vehicle and is set to play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions in the logistics sector.
The retrofitted truck will be leased through Clovis Grand Paris, Renault Trucks’ leasing partner, to Extime, the operator of duty-free stores at Paris Airport. It will be used for frequent shuttle trips between warehouses and the airport, taking full advantage of its 250 km range.
Conversion and Certification Journey
The project began in late 2023 when Renault Trucks, in collaboration with Novumtech and with funding from the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (Ademe), initiated the conversion of the 12-tonne truck. The transformation process adhered to stringent regulatory requirements, involving several key phases:
Mechanical Conversion: Transitioning the truck from a diesel-powered vehicle to a fully electric model.
Technical Testing: Rigorous tests conducted at UTAC, a technical approval body in Paris, included electromagnetic compatibility checks under the R100 standard and evaluations of the braking system’s compliance.
Administrative Approval: A detailed dossier, featuring comprehensive test results, was submitted to the environmental agency, DREAL Auvergne Rhône-Alpes.
On 21 November 2024, Renault Trucks received official homologation, marking a two-year journey to achieve this significant milestone.
A Commitment to Sustainability
This retrofitted truck represents Renault Trucks’ circular economy strategy, demonstrating how vehicle lifecycles can be extended while reducing environmental impact. Laurent Colpier, Vice President of Used Trucks and Urban Logistics at Renault Trucks, highlighted the importance of this achievement:
“The use of this vehicle in real operational conditions will enable us validate the economic viability and robustness of the electric retrofit solution. This pilot project exemplifies our dedication to preserving natural resources while minimizing the environmental impact of vehicle usage. The truck perfectly embodies the circular economy approach that we champion at Renault Trucks,”
Future Potential for Retrofitting
Beyond its environmental benefits, the retrofit process offers economic advantages, with costs estimated to be 15% lower than purchasing a new electric truck. Renault Trucks views this project as a critical test case to evaluate the feasibility of scaling electric retrofitting as a sustainable business model.
As this pioneering effort progresses, it could pave the way for broader adoption of electric retrofitting in France and beyond, contributing significantly to the decarbonisation of the transport sector.
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