Warburtons uses its loaf with first electric delivery truck

Warburtons, the UK’s largest bakery brand, is rolling out its first 16-tonne 100% electric truck, a Renault Trucks D Z.E.

The D Z.E., which can cover up to 150km on a single charge, is powered by a 200kWh, 600 V lithium-ion battery and an Alternating Current synchronous motor with permanent-magnet technology that delivers a maximum power of 185 kW, continuous power of 130 kW and maximum torque of 425 Nm.

The D Z.E., which will recharge at Warburtons Enfield site, is equipped with a 22kW on board AC charger and is compatible with DC rapid charging up to 150kW. The vehicle comes with Renault Trucks Battery Performance Promise, which guarantees that the battery will operate for up to 10 years or deliver 250 MW of energy over the vehicle’s life.

The all-electric truck is expected to truly revolutionise the sector, according to Carlos Rodrigues, Managing Director, Renault Trucks UK & Ireland.

“The Renault Trucks D Z.E. answers today’s pressing need to improve air quality and reduce noise pollution in our cities,” he said. “We are delighted that Warburtons has selected the D Z.E. to deliver even more sustainably for its customers, and that this first vehicle will confidently provide this service for the next ten years.”

The electric truck market is rapidly expanding as multiple players are starting to deliver their vehicles. As we reported, Volta trucks will also be on the road by 2022. Volta’s 16-tonne vehicle is specifically designed for inner-city freight deliveries and propelled by a 160 to 200 kWh battery size with a range of 90 to 125 miles.