Renault launches the first all-electric refrigerated delivery truck

Renault Trucks and Groupe Delanchy have launched a new zero-emission and 100 percent electric experimental truck to be used to deliver fresh produce across Lyon.

The 13-tonne truck is equipped with a refrigeration unit along with a temperature-controlled box, both powered exclusively from the truck’s battery pack, which according to Renault is a first-of-its-kind achievement.

The truck will make trips every day to deliver fresh produce and seafood from Group Delanchy’s distribution hub in Corbas to Lyon, one of the France’s largest covered food markets.

Although the Renault truck is an experimental endeavor, it will be used under real operating conditions to test its performance.

The choice of Lyon as the city for the initiative is not random as it constitutes the historic birthplace of Renault Trucks.

Joseph Delanchy, President of Groupe Delanchy, said: “This zero-emission truck is a first step towards new technologies that are evolving very rapidly. We will evolve with them, as we have always done”.

The electric truck is considered an ideal solution to fight air pollution in residential areas and to reduce congestion in the city centre.

Bruno Blin, President of Renault Trucks said: "The inclusion of this vehicle in Groupe Delanchy’s logistics plan perfectly illustrates our vision for road freight transport, namely a high-performance diesel vehicle for long-distance transport and a zero-emission vehicle to cover the final kilometres”.

Earlier this September, Carlos Ghosn, CEO of the Renault Nissan Alliance, which now includes Mitsubishi, shared the alliance’s plans to launch 12 new electric car models by 2022.

Under the name Alliance 2022, the three companies have come together to collaborate on several platforms, such as powertrains and next-generation electric, autonomous and connected technologies in order to accelerate progress.

Image credits: Renault