Chereau
Chereau says it has developed the refrigerated trailer of the future through its innovative Road project. The new Chereau Hydrogen Power H2 product range consists of a hydrogen-electric unit which replaces the diesel cooling unit.
The body insulation outperforms the traditional foam reefer boxes by using vacuum-insulated panels. This means the energy needed for cooling is reduced by 25%. In addition, the lightweight chassis and aero kit offers up to 7% fuel savings for the tractor. Multiplexed architecture offers new safety features and a user-friendly feel.
The judges said: “An interesting project that might deliver good results. It mixed all the good things about trailer design into one project.”
Renault Trucks
The submission looked to highlight all the benefits that Renault’s ZE range offers to customers but it is also an insight into the future of sustainable transport and a direct response to those customers leading the shift to zero carbon.
The range covers 3.1-tonne to 26-tonne vehicles, including a low-entry cab version, and offers operators the opportunity to address the distribution needs of customers operating in an urban environment.
Renault’s customers, and their customers, are looking for proven, mainstream ways to address the sustainable transport challenge. The company believes the ZE range is the first comprehensive, viable and future-proofed solution available.
Main customer benefits include a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions in the UK, zero tailpipe emissions and a quieter and smoother drive. Vehicles can be fully charged overnight in standard charge mode or in less than two hours in fast charge mode.
The vehicle also requires less maintenance and the energy guarantee allows operators to extend operation up to 10 years within the service contract period.
The judges said: “What I like is that they have already built some and got them in operation in the UK.”
Veolia
The City of London Corporation, Veolia, Riverside Truck Rental and Electra commercial vehicles have set up a partnership to combat air pollution in the Square Mile.
This partnership will result in the City of London Corporation becoming the first UK governing body to run an entire fleet of electric refuse collection vehicles. The decision to acquire Electras on Dennis Eagle glider chassis body combinations will immensely benefit air quality in the City of London while protecting its inhabitants and visitors from the harmful effects of pollution.
The new trucks have been equipped with a Dennis OL10 narrow body and Beta 2 bin lift. The order consists of four 4x2 axle configurations (18 tonnes) and one 6x2 version (27 tonnes). Veolia will deploy the large truck in the Smithfield area, where the City of London Corporation first tested the Electra.
The judges said: “This is a good working partnership with vehicle suppliers and vehicle manufacturers to combat the effects of air pollution in the city.”
Volta
In September 2020, electric vehicle manufacturer Volta Trucks launched the new Volta Zero – the world’s first purpose-built full-electric 16-tonne commercial vehicle specifically for inner-city logistics and freight distribution.
The Volta Zero is designed to improve safety for vulnerable road users, and to be a significant contributor to the vision of zero-emission cities all over the world, understanding how large commercial vehicles operate in, and integrate with, city infrastructures of the future.
By 2025, Volta Trucks aims to have saved about 180,000 tonnes of tailpipe CO2 from the atmosphere. Volta Zero will also be the first road vehicle to use a sustainably sourced natural flax material and biodegradable resin composite in the construction of exterior body panels.
The judges said: “It was like they took a piece of paper and successfully redesigned the vehicle from scratch. This isn’t just about operation of the vehicles, but how you operate them and who’s driving them. It’s an interesting approach. I look forward to them broadening the range.”