A zero-tailpipe-emission heavy goods vehicles and infrastructure demonstration (ZEHID) partner day was held by Renault Trucks to celebrate the arrival of the first E-Tech T tractor units. Funded by the Department for Transport in partnership with Innovate UK, the ZEHID initiative will see zero-tailpipe-emission HGVs rolled out as part of a demonstration programme. These vehicles will be supported by new charging infrastructure.
Renault Trucks is supplying 40 electric 6x2 tractor units as part of the eFREIGHT 2030 consortium led by Voltempo and the Project Electric Freightway consortium led by Gridserve. The partner day gave attendees and fleet operators the chance to get behind the wheel of the E-Tech T and speak with Renault’s electromobility team.
Roger Clarke, head of electromobility and 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.”
