Mitchells of Mansfield takes delivery of the UK’s first 18-tonne Renault E-Tech D Wide

Commercial Motor

April 9, 2023

Family-run Mitchells of Mansfield has taken delivery of the UK’s first Renault E Tech electric curtain-sided 18-tonner.

Supplied by independent Renault Trucks dealer RH Commercial Vehicles (RHCV), it forms part of the haulier’s ambitious targets to reduce and offset its carbon emissions. By the end of this year it intends to offset 25%, 50% by 2024 and 100% by 2026.

MD Richard Montgomery, said: “Progression and positive change is a cornerstone of the business. We are doing just that by investing in the latest equipment like the Renault Trucks E-Tech vehicle.

“Our decisions on technology and equipment are based on the reduction of our environmental impact. We want to set the benchmark for the palletised market, by dipping our toes in electromobility, we can prove we are a sustainable business built on trust, sincerity, and responsibility.

“It is becoming increasingly clear that zero emissions and sustainable transport solutions are an inevitable future in this industry. It is important to get ahead of the curve and get used to this method of transportation before it is too late.”

The Renault Trucks E-Tech D Wide is equipped with four 66kW energy packs. It comes equipped with an onboard AC charger, but is also compatible with DC fast charging. It will largely be used for localised deliveries and collections, including into Nottingham City Centre, and will have sufficient range to do a day’s work.

Simon Bailey, sales executive for RHCV, commented: “With it being a curtain-sided vehicle fitted with a tail lift too, means the business can continue to operate quickly and efficiently with speedy load and unload benefits and simplified partial deliveries as they did before on the equivalent diesel-fuelled vehicles.”

The truck has been specified with a full halo system from SM UK, which includes front, rear and side cameras, providing the driver with a bird’s eye view of what is happening around them.

Montgomery added: “It has been fantastic to work with RH Commercial Vehicles on such a drastic change. We have had a great working relationship for many years, so we are confident that we are in safe hands as the electric truck goes into operation.”

Renault Trucks will be exhibiting at this year’s Road Transport Expo, which takes place at Stoneleigh NAEC on June 28-30. It’s FREE to attend, and registrations are now open.

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Commercial Motor

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