Nottinghamshire-based overnight pallet distributor Mitchells of Mansfield recently received its first electric Renault E-Tech D Wide 18-tonne (19.8-U.S.-ton) curtainside truck. The family-run business, which started in 1968 and became a founding member of Palletways in 1995, has a long history in the industry. Mitchells has also worked with The Pallet Network, Palletline, and The Hazchem Network. The pallet distributor has set goals to reduce and offset carbon emissions, beginning with a 25% emissions reduction this year, 50% by 2024, and to be completely carbon-free by 2026. Their new Renault E-Tech is a key part of that strategy.
“Progression and positive change is a cornerstone of the business,” says Richard Montgomery, Managing Director. “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.”
The E-Tech D Wide
With zero tailpipe emissions, the E-Tech D Wide is perfect for urban operations where ordinances on carbon emissions and noise are in effect. That is a plus for Mitchells of Mansfield, who operates much of the time within Nottingham City Centre. The city has eyes on being carbon-neutral by 2028.
“It is becoming increasingly clear that zero emissions and sustainable transport solutions are inevitably the future in this industry,” says Montgomery. “It is important to get ahead of the curve and get used to this method of transportation. It is a huge investment to decarbonise a fleet but by introducing this truck now, we can determine our next steps in improving our carbon footprint.”
The truck is powered by four 66-kilowatt-hour battery packs and has an onboard AC charger. The E-Tech is also compatible with DC fast-charging to maximise its daily range of up to 560 kilometres (348 miles). The curtainside vehicle is equipped with a tail lift for efficient loading and unloading. It has 130 kW (174 horsepower) of continuous power and 185 kW (248 HP) maximum with maximum torque of 425 newton-metres (313 pounds-foot).
Safety First
The electric truck is fitted with a full halo system for safety. Front, rear, and side cameras give the driver a bird’s eye view of the truck’s surroundings while sensors and audible warning systems alert the driver to prevent collisions, a must-have for urban areas where vehicle and pedestrian traffic are high, like Mitchells’ deliveries and collections areas.
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Source: Renault