Warburtons’ first 16-tonne (17.6-U.S.-ton) electric truck, deployed in Enfield, was so successful the bakery has added four more Renault Trucks E-Tech D16s to its fleet. In addition to the E-Tech D16s, the UK’s largest bakery brand acquired its first electric vans, two Renault E-Tech Master vans with Luton bodies, as part of the company’s transition to an emissions-free fleet.
The E-Tech D16s will deliver freshly baked goods to stores across the country, operating from Warburtons’ bakeries in Enfield, Glasgow, Bristol, and Bolton. The E-Tech Masters will operate in Enfield and Bristol.
“The performance of our first 16-tonne electric truck has given us the confidence to make this significant investment in four further E-Tech D16s,” says Warburtons Head of Transport Steven Gray. “By carefully planning the first vehicle, studying routes, diminishing loads and tail-lift systems, we specified the right vehicle for the job, which has delivered the same quality of service to our customers with zero emissions. We have also had excellent feedback from our drivers, who enjoy the quieter, smoother ride, and with any initial range anxiety soon put to rest.”
About The Renault E-Tech D16
Warburtons’ four E-Tech D16s are all 4x2 rigids with box bodies and tail lifts. The trucks are powered by 265-kilowatt-hour, 600-volt E-Tech lithium-ion batteries that run the alternating current synchronous motor with permanent-magnet technology.
The trucks’ motors are rated for 185 kilowatts (250 horsepower) of maximum power, 130 kW (177 HP) of continuous power, and 425 newton-metres (313 pounds-foot) of maximum torque. Each truck’s reduction gearbox has two forward speeds and one reverse speed.
The E-Tech D16’s charge ports are compatible with type 2 and CCS Combo 2 connectors to enable mode 2, 3, or 4 charging from 22 to 150 kW.
The truck is equipped with several safety features, including radar and cameras to sense objects and other road users to avoid collisions. An optional vision door can be added on the passenger side to increase street-level visibility in urban areas.
“Our secondary fleet, which delivers products direct to stores, is ideal for electric vehicles, as most routes are low stem mileage of less than 100 miles, making around 30 to 35 deliveries,” says Gray. “All vehicles are on the road by 4 a.m., returning by lunchtime with long dwell times back at base that are perfect for charging, using 22-kW EV charging points installed by EO.”
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Source: Renault