Renault Trucks has commenced series production of its heavy-duty electric trucks at the historic Bourg-en-Bresse plant (France).
With a rich legacy spanning 60 years in truck assembly, this facility is now geared to manufacture the innovative Renault Trucks E-Tech T and C.
Specifically designed for regional distribution and urban construction, these vehicles represent the latest additions to Renault Trucks’ comprehensive all-electric range, the broadest in the European market, covering a weight spectrum from 650 kg (e-cargo bikes) to 44 tons.
The Bourg-en-Bresse plant, operational since 1964, will now extend its expertise to produce the E-Tech T and C.
These models, tailored for regional distribution and urban construction, contribute to Renault Trucks’ commitment to decarbonize diverse urban and regional applications.
In preparation for the production of these heavy-duty electric trucks, the company has invested in the transformation and adaptation of its industrial facilities.
Leveraging four years of experience in manufacturing medium-tonnage electric trucks at its Blainville-sur-Orne plant, the company is implementing the same principles and best practices at Bourg-en-Bresse.
The assembly of Renault Trucks E-Tech T and C takes place on the same line as their diesel counterparts.
Subsequently, they are transferred to a dedicated 5,200 m2 area – the Renault Trucks E-Tech Factory.
Here, qualified operators and technicians conduct specific electrification operations, including the assembly of the Electric Drive Unit (EDU) and the installation of the transmission and batteries.
After this phase, the electric vehicles undergo performance tests and track trials to ensure their reliability and quality before returning to the series production process.
These models, with their versatility, cater to a wide array of urban construction and regional distribution applications, including the transportation of goods, materials, or industrial waste.
Offering adaptability to various body styles through three types of power take-off (PTO) – electric, electromechanical, or on the gearbox – these trucks pave the way for decarbonizing new sectors of urban and regional activity.
With a gross combination weight of up to 44 tonnes, Renault Trucks E-Tech T and C are available in 4×2 and 6×2 tractor versions, featuring a long cab and a wheelbase of 3,900 mm.
Rigid configurations include 4×2, 6×2, and 8×4 tridem, with a choice of eleven wheelbases ranging from 3,900 to 6,700 mm.
Equipped with two or three electric motors generating a combined power of up to 490 kW (660 hp), Renault Trucks E-Tech T and C can be fitted with four to six lithium-ion battery packs, providing between 390 and 540 kWh of power.
Recharge options include alternating current (AC) up to 43 kW and direct current (DC) up to 250 kW.
These models boast a range of up to 300 km on a full charge and up to 500 km with an intermediate fast charge (250 kW) lasting one hour (for a vehicle fitted with 6 battery packs).
The cutting-edge battery cells and modules for these electric trucks are supplied by Samsung SDI and assembled in Ghent, Belgium, at a plant owned by the Volvo Group, of which Renault Trucks is a member.
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