The arrival of Renault’s E-Tech T tractor units is a significant milestone in the push for zero emission heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).
- Renault hosted a partner day at Corby, attracting key stakeholders from government-funded ZEHID consortia.
- The initiative supports the transition to zero emission HGVs, with involvement from major consortia and government representatives.
- Attendees, including fleet operators, had direct engagement with Renault’s team and tested the new vehicles.
- Government and industry collaboration is central to achieving a net zero transport network.
Renault Trucks marked a pioneering step in the advancement of zero emission heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) with the introduction of its first E-Tech T tractor units during a dedicated partner day. Held at Kinetic Studios in Corby, this event symbolised a collaborative effort among significant stakeholders involved in the £200 million Zero Emission Heavy Goods Vehicles and Infrastructure Demonstration (ZEHID) programme.
On the day, participants represented three key consortia, selected under government funding, and included representatives from the Department for Transport and Innovate UK. During the event, which focused on enhancing industry adoption of zero emission HGVs, Renault Trucks committed to supplying 40 tractor units from its fully electric E-Tech T series to the eFREIGHT 2030 consortium led by Voltempo and the Project Electric Freightway consortium led by Gridserve. The ZEN Freight consortium, initially spearheaded by BP and now led by Dynamon, also plays a role in this transformative agenda.
Attendees, predominantly fleet operators, were afforded a comprehensive platform to engage with Renault’s expert team dedicated to electric vehicle technology, securing continued support throughout the demonstration phase. Notably, key consortia leaders, including Michael Boxwell of Voltempo Group, Sam Clarke from Gridserve, and James Slatter of Dynamon, delivered insightful updates on their respective projects, underscoring collective progress toward sustainable transport solutions.
The event provided a practical introduction to Renault’s E-Tech T tractor units where participants engaged directly through a dynamic ride and drive test session, allowing them to experience the vehicles’ capabilities first-hand. This hands-on encounter is part of Renault’s strategy to foster industry trust and enthusiasm for zero emission technologies.
Roger Clarke of Renault Trucks UK and Ireland emphasised the importance of this collaboration with the ZEHID consortia, calling the arrival of the E-Tech T units a major milestone. He highlighted the collective efforts of various partners in advancing the shift to zero emission HGVs, expressing eagerness to see these vehicles in operational scenarios imminently.
Governmental support for this transition was further echoed by Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood, who stressed the role of technological innovation in transforming transport networks. She reiterated government priorities toward decarbonising road freight, framing the ZEHID programme as a testament to effective public-private partnerships in achieving net zero objectives.
The collaborative efforts between industry and government are critical in accelerating the adoption of zero emission HGVs in the UK.
