Renault Trucks has marked the arrival of its first E-Tech T tractor units by hosting a ZEHID Partner Day held on July 23 at Kinetic Studios in Corby, Northamptonshire, bringing together key stakeholders from three consortia selected for funding under the UK Government’s £200 million Zero Emission Heavy Goods Vehicles and Infrastructure Demonstration (ZEHID) programme, as well as from the Department for Transport and Innovate UK.

As part of the ZEHID programme, which is funded by the Department for Transport in partnership with Innovate UK to accelerate the update of zero emission HGVs, Renault Trucks is supplying 40 – 44 tonne tractor units from its fully electric E-Tech T range to eFREIGHT 2030 consortium led by Voltempo and Project Electric Freightway consortium led by Gridserve. Battery electric HGVs will also play a part in the ZEN Freight consortium, now led by Dynamon.  

Attendees at the ZEHID Partner Day, including leading fleet operators, had the opportunity to connect with Renault Trucks' team of electromobility experts, who are providing ongoing support throughout the demonstration phase of the projects.  

Additionally, the project leads from each of the three consortia took to the stage to give a progress update: Michael Boxwell, CEO Voltempo Group for eFREIGHT 2030, Sam Clarke, Chief Vehicle Officer, Gridserve for Project Electric Freightway, and James Slatter, Managing Director Dynamon for ZEN Freight.  

Following a comprehensive introduction to the E-Tech T inside the venue’s state of the art studios, participants were among the first to get behind the wheel and experience first-hand the superior comfort, driveability and quiet operation of the new E-Tech tractor units during a Ride & Drive test session. 

Roger Clarke, Head of Electromobility & Customer Advanced Solutions at Renault Trucks UK and Ireland said: “We are delighted to be working with the ZEHID consortia to fast track the transition to zero emission HGVs in the UK. The arrival of the E-Tech T tractor units marks a significant milestone and we are delighted to share this achievement with our ZEHID Partners. The collaborative efforts of everyone involved in ZEHID, eFREIGHT 2030, Project Electric Freightway and ZEN Freight project are crucial in driving this transformative initiative and we look forward to seeing zero emission E-Tech T tractor units in real world applications for operators across both consortiums imminently.”

Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood said: “Our roads are undergoing a technological revolution, and I’m delighted that Renault Trucks is coming along on the journey.

“Greening our transport network is a key priority for this Government, which is why our demonstrator programme aims to scale up zero emission HGVs and install the right infrastructure to decarbonise road freight. This is an excellent example of industry and government collaborating to reach net zero.”