7 key points to consider when switching to electric trucks

To help transportation and distribution companies make the transition to electromobility with complete peace of mind, here are 7 key points to consider before making the final decision. They have been prepared by Renault Trucks experts on the basis of extensive user feedback.

1. CHECK THAT ELECTROMOBILITY IS APPROPRIATE FOR YOUR BUSINESS

What distance do your vehicles travel in a day, do they return to depot at the end of the day, what city centre access restrictions do you operate within, are your deliveries made during the day or at night, are there any government grants  available?... There are many questions to answer before you make the switch to electric trucks. But that’s not a problem, because your Renault Trucks advisor can help you go through everything and advise you on the electric truck best suited to your needs.

2. CHOOSE THE RIGHT TYPE OF ELECTRIC TRUCK

Depending on the loads transported, the weight of the truck, topography, weather conditions, range requirements, battery charging time and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) factors, there are several types of electric truck available to choose from. Each has its own particular optimum operating scenario, so just as before, Renault Trucks is also available to help you analyse your specific conditions of use.

3. IDENTIFY THE OPTIMUM FINANCE OPTION

Quite clearly, the cost of an electric truck inevitably impacts the financial models of transport companies! But the good news is that the impact can be offset by using an appropriate form of finance: standard loan, leasing/lease purchase (LOA), finance lease, etc.

4. USE THE MOST APPROPRIATE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM

Electric trucks from Renault Trucks can be recharged very simply using a regular AC outlet (for the Renault Trucks Master) or a three-phase industrial socket (for D and D Wide trucks). It takes between six and twelve hours, and less than two hours using a fast charge station, which you can have installed on your own premises by one of our authorised electrical engineering partners. All our trucks are also fully compatible with public charging stations.

5. HELP YOUR DRIVERS TO ADAPT TO ELECTRIC TRUCKS

Operating an electric truck is usually not a problem for drivers, most of whom are very happy to make the transition to electric. Nevertheless, our expert trainers are available to provide specialist support in areas such as eco-driving techniques to optimise battery range (gentle acceleration, regenerative braking, etc.)

6. FIT OUT YOUR ELECTRIC TRUCK

Depending on your intended use of the truck, Renault Trucks supplies the cab and chassis assembly for your body builder to install the equipment and accessories you need, whether that’s refrigeration, a crane or a refuse truck. Again, we are always here to help customers choose the right solution and the right service provider.

7. GET MAXIMUM LIFE FROM YOUR BATTERIES

This last point is crucial in the day-to-day operations of any transportation company: every electric truck must deliver full power, regardless of battery age. That’s why Renault Trucks contracts guarantee that vehicle batteries will maintain up to 80% of battery energy capacity (for the D E-Tech and D Wide E-Tech ranges) for the full operating period of the contract. And that’s something no other manufacturer can offer!