The Renault Trucks E-Tech D16 4x2 joins the Beverley-based company’s delivery and haulage fleet following a successful trial through Vertellus’ EV Discovery Programme, marking a significant milestone in its journey toward sustainability.
Supplied by Alistair Mann, Hull Area Sales Manager at Thompson Commercials, the new addition comes as a result of a long-standing partnership with the local Renault Trucks dealer. "Thompson Commercials consistently delivers outstanding service. Their team is approachable, knowledgeable, and attentive to our needs, which made choosing Renault Trucks for our first electric truck a natural decision," said Chris Rice, Managing Director, Nigel Rice Transport & Storage.
The decision to invest in an electric truck followed a successful trial through contract hire company, Vertellus, and its EV Discovery Programme. This initiative provided Nigel Rice Transport & Storage with an affordable opportunity to test a ready-to-work truck together with an installed DC Zenobē charger on a convenient three-month term. The trial demonstrated strong levels of driver satisfaction and highlighted promising cost efficiencies, reinforcing the potential of electric vehicles within the company’s fleet.
"The Vertellus trial was pivotal," Chris Rice explained. "Initially, we were hesitant about transitioning to electric, but the smooth implementation and driver training eased those concerns. Although range anxiety was a challenge at first, it quickly dissipated as we grew more confident in the vehicle’s capabilities.”
Nigel Rice Transport & Storage’s new addition is an E-Tech D16 4x2 equipped with an 8m curtain-sided body by Martin Wiliams (Hull) and a tuckaway tail lift. Powered by 265 kWh, 600 V E-Tech lithium-ion batteries, the Alternating Current synchronous motor with permanent-magnet technology delivers maximum power of 185 kW, continuous power of 130 kW and maximum torque of 425 Nm. The E-Tech reduction gearbox offers two forward speeds and one reverse. The E-Tech D16 is equipped with charge ports compatible with type 2 and CCS Combo 2, which allows mode 2, 3 or 4 charging from 22 kW to 150 kW.
The E-Tech D16 will play a vital role in the company’s operations, handling local pallet network deliveries and collections as part of its commitments with Palletline. Covering around 75 miles daily, the vehicle will be charged overnight at Nigel Rice Transport’s yard, ensuring it’s ready for the next day’s deliveries.
Nigel Rice Transport currently operates a diverse fleet of 16 vehicles, including a 3.5t curtain-side Master Van, D18 curtain siders, T and T High tractor unit, as well as T High Turbo Compound tractor units. Adding the Renault Trucks E-Tech D16 signals a major step in the company’s commitment to a greener future.
"We’re actively exploring the option of adding more electric vehicles to our local network distribution fleet as they come up for renewal," added Chris Rice. “Electric vehicles are ideal for our designated urban routes, where their efficiency and reduced emissions really make a difference. With the Renault Trucks E-Tech D16’s range and payload capacity well-suited to our daily requirements, we expect it to be a strong asset for our local deliveries,” said Chris Rice.
The electric truck is finished in Oxford Blue and debuts a striking new livery designed to celebrate Nigel Rice Transport’s commitment to sustainability. Designed by Matt Vinyl Graphics, the livery features an electric truck travelling along a charging cable powered by renewable energy sources, with Hull, East Yorkshire, as the destination.
“We’re proud to lead the charge towards a cleaner, greener future,” Chris Rice concluded. “This investment, as well as a Renault Trucks E-Tech Master with a curtain sider body that we have on order, underscores our dedication to delivering exceptional customer service while minimising our environmental impact. It’s an exciting step forward for our business and the customers we serve.”
