Renault looks to the future with electric van complete with e-cargo bike and drone

Renault Trucks has launched a futuristic multimodal electric deliver vehicle that includes an e-cargo bike and a drone. The Renault Trucks E-Tech Master OptiModale is based on a 3.5 tonne LWB L3H1 E-Tech Master van with a low loader Luton body by Horton Commercials and comes with an eBullitt electric Cargo bike capable of carrying 100kg and a 2kg parcel-carrying drone from UVATEK.

Renault said the Luton body holds the parcels and acts as the "mothership" for the e-cargo bike and drone.

Grahame Neagus, head of LCV at Renault Trucks UK & Ireland, pictured, said: “The all-new Renault Trucks E-Tech Master OptiModale addresses the pressing need to improve air quality and pollution in our cities while improving accessibility and productivity for operators.

"By harnessing multiple modes of electric transport, this is an all-in-one sustainable solution that is set to transform the rapidly growing parcel market, and can be replicated anywhere in the world.

“The E-Tech Master OptiModale is a two-person operation, offering the flexibility of delivering larger parcels by van, whilst the second team member takes the eBullitt cargo bike for last mile deliveries where congestion is at its worst. "Additionally, the drone provides rapid deployment for urgent situations, such as delivering vital drugs or supplies to challenging or inaccessible locations.

"Optimodale delivers an innovative 'last mile' solution and is a clear illustration of the breadth and depth of our thinking, providing Renault Trucks logistics customers with a sustainable solution from 2kg all the way up to 44 tonnes.”

The Optimodale comes with either a 33kWh battery with a typical range of around 80 miles or a new 52kWh battery for higher range operations. The 4,100mm body has folding shelving, e-cargo bike storage to the nearside complete with bike lift and a heli-drone pad.