A few months after announcing the launch of two 44-ton electric vehicles in its range, Renault Trucks is now unveiling the design of these new T and C E-Techs. Already available to order, they will start delivering next year.
Today, almost all car manufacturers offer electric models in their range. And for good reason, they will be forced to do so anyway, while the European Union will ban the sale of thermal cars from 2035.
But other sectors are also being electrified, including transport. Indeed, more and more brands are working on the development of electric trucks. Among them, let’s mention Tesla with its Semi but also more traditional manufacturers such as DAF, Volvo or Renault.
A new visual identity
Last March, the diamond brand announced in a press release the arrival of new 44-tonne models in its range. Because it’s been since 2020 that Renault Trucks markets electric trucks, from 3.1 to 26 tonnesmeeting several needs, ranging from public works to garbage collection.
But so here it is two new alternatives, called T E-Tech and C E-Tech arrive in the catalog, with a completely new style. If this is reminiscent of the thermal T, these new electric versions are however distinguished by a few specific elements. Starting with the slightly redesigned and painted grille, sporting the new stylized diamond, inaugurated on the Mégane E-Tech. A new Emblem plate in blue plexiglass also makes its appearance.
Otherwise, the look is completed by a “Renault Trucks E-Tech” badge at the front as well as blue hubcaps. The brand’s latest press release also announces that “the front of the vehicles has been moved forward by 115 mm and radars have been placed on the sides”, in order to improve safety, in particular for pedestrians and other road users.
If nothing has yet been shown from the inside, Renault Trucks specifies that access to the driving position is via a retractable step, “which makes it possible to maximize the space dedicated to the batteries“. In total, five silhouettes will be available, in 4×2 and 6×2 tractor versions and 4×2, 6×2 and 8×4 tridem carriers.
Launch next year
Dedicated to regional distribution and construction, these two vehicles will receive two or three electric motors, claiming a cumulative power of up to 490 kW or the equivalent of 666 horsepower. Everything will then be sent to the wheels via an Optidriver gearbox, while two to six lithium-ion battery packs will be integrated into the chassis, displaying a capacity of 180 to 540 kWh.
The press release from Renault Trucks specifies that these can be recharged in 9.5 hours using alternating current at a power of 43 kW or by 2.5 hours up to 250 kW DC. The maximum autonomy is then announced at 300 kilometers according to the WLTP cycle, while an intermediate quick charge of one hour makes it possible to reach 500 kilometers on a single trip.
Faced with the Tesla Semi, it’s a bit disappointing, since Elon Musk’s electric heavyweight promises 800 km of range on a single charge in the XXL version or 480 km in the “small” battery version. Autonomy is given with 37 tons of loading, which is even more impressive. Charging also seems much faster, with 10-80% in around 30 minutes.
For now, the prices of these two Renault Trucks T and C E-Tech have not yet been announced, but we do know that pre-orders are already open for professionals. The two electric trucks will be made in France at the Bourg-en-Bresse factory while deliveries will begin at the end of next year.
Still expected for the end of 2022, the Tesla Semi is no longer available for order since today. The manufacturer then seems to have filled up its order book and prefers to…
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