The Volvo Group’s subsidiary in truck manufacturing, Renault Trucks, has launched its latest heavy-duty vehicle, E-Tech Master OptiModale, for sustainable logistics in urban areas.
The e-truck combines three types of electric transportation in one vehicle:
- A 3.5-tonne LWB L3H1 E-Tech Master van with Low Loader Luton body by Horton Commercials
- An eBullitt electric Cargo bike
- A parcel-carrying drone from UVATEK
The head of LCV at Renault Trucks UK & Ireland, Grahame Neagus, said that the two-person operation offered the flexibility of deliveries. While one team can deliver more oversized parcels by the van, the second team can better care for smaller packages by bike or drone; the latter is designed for urgent situations.
“By harnessing multiple modes of electric transport, this is an all-in-one sustainable solution that is set to transform the rapidly growing parcel market and can be replicated anywhere in the world,” said Neagus
The e-truck comes with an electric motor and a 33kWh battery. The combination offers the typical range of around 80 miles before requiring a charge, allowing enough power for the vehicle to return to the base. You can upgrade to the new 52kWh battery for an “even greater range”.
The electric cargo bike can carry up to 100kgs of smaller parcels. It is also equipped with the Shimano e-system that can provide up to 50km of power assistance for the cyclist. The battery can reach 50 per cent within an hour and a full 100 per cent within four hours.
Renault Trucks also mentioned that, although flying drones is currently restricted in certain areas, “its speed and accuracy is ideal for urgent time-sensitive deliveries, for example, over the countryside or across the water”.
According to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), flying drones is allowed in the UK; however, it is subjected to CAA regulations.