Renault Trucks Launches Heavy Duty Electric Truck Production at Bourg-en-Bresse

Renault Trucks has initiated the series production of its heavy-duty electric trucks, the Renault Trucks E-Tech T and C, at its Bourg-en-Bresse plant.

The E-Tech T and C trucks, with a maximum capacity of 44 tonnes, represent the latest additions to Renault's extensive all-electric range, the most comprehensive in Europe. This range now covers nearly all urban and regional applications, from e-cargo bikes (650 kg) to 44-tonne trucks.

To facilitate the production of these electric vehicles, Renault Trucks has invested in upgrading its industrial infrastructure and training its workforce at the Bourg-en-Bresse plant. These practices draw from four years of experience in manufacturing medium-tonnage electric trucks at the Blainville-sur-Orne plant.

The E-Tech T and C models are assembled alongside their diesel counterparts before undergoing specialized electrification processes in a dedicated 5,200 m² area known as the Renault Trucks E-Tech Factory. Here, specialized technicians install the Electric Drive Unit (EDU), transmission, and batteries, followed by thorough performance and reliability tests.

These electric trucks, adaptable to various body styles, offer three types of power take-offs: electric, electromechanical, or gearbox-mounted. This adaptability makes them suitable for a wide range of urban and regional activities, furthering the goal of decarbonization.

Available in both 4x2 and 6x2 tractor configurations, the E-Tech T and C have a long cab and a wheelbase of 3,900 mm. The rigid configuration offers more options, including 4x2, 6x2, and 8x4 tridem, with short or long cabs and eleven wheelbase choices ranging from 3,900 to 6,700 mm.

Equipped with two or three electric motors, these trucks can deliver up to 490 kW of power (equivalent to 660 hp). To cater to diverse customer needs, they can be fitted with four to six lithium-ion battery packs, providing 390 to 540 kWh of power. The trucks offer a range of up to 300 km on a full charge and can extend to 500 km with a one-hour fast charge (250 kW) for vehicles equipped with six battery packs.

Samsung SDI supplies the battery cells and modules, which are assembled in Ghent, Belgium, at a Volvo Group facility. Renault Trucks, as part of the Volvo Group, benefits from this integrated supply chain.

Source: Renault Trucks