Renault Trucks has marked the arrival of its first E-Tech T tractor units by hosting a partner day for participants in the £200m Zero Emission Heavy Goods Vehicles and Infrastructure Demonstration (ZEHID) programme.

Held on 23 July at Kinetic Studios in Corby, Northamptonshire, the partner day brought together key stakeholders from three consortia selected for government funding under the ZEHID programme, and representatives from DfT and Innovate UK.

As part of the programme, which aims to fast-track industry uptake of zero emission HGVs, Renault Trucks is supplying 40 44-tonne tractor units from its fully electric E-Tech T range to the eFREIGHT 2030 consortium, led by Voltempo, and to the Project Electric Freightway consortium, which is led by Gridserve.

Battery electric HGVs will also play a part in the ZEN Freight consortium, which was led by BP until it pulled out in February, and is now led by Dynamon.

Attendees at the ZEHID partner day, including a number of fleet operators, had the opportunity to connect with Renault Trucks’ team of EV experts, who are providing ongoing support throughout the demonstration phase of the projects.

Delegates also heard from the project leads from each of the three consortia who took to the stage to give a progress update. These were Michael Boxwell, Voltempo Group chief executive who represented the eFREIGHT 2030 consortium, Sam Clarke, chief vehicle officer at Gridserve for Project Electric Freightway, and James Slatter, Dynamon MD who represented ZEN Freight.

Following an introduction to the E-Tech T inside the venue’s studios, participants were invited to get behind the wheel and experience first-hand the new E-Tech tractor units during a ride and drive test session.

Roger Clarke, Renault Trucks UK and Ireland head of electromobility and customer advanced solutions, 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,” she added.

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