The vehicle is chassis cab model which has been specified for urban refuse collection; the range is additionally available for distribution applications. Power comes from two electric motors, delivering maximum power of 370 kW, continuous power of 260 kW and maximum torque of 850 Nm.
The D Wide Z.E. is equipped with a 22kW on board AC charger and is compatible with DC fast charging up to 150kW. 200 KWh batteries (four packs of high energy density Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) Lithium-ion cells are said to provide the optimum balance between operating range and payload). They offer up to 150km range, according to application and body specification.
As with trucks fitted with a combustion engine, a number of factors have an impact on an electric truck's energy consumption, the manufacturer points out. Renault Trucks UK and Ireland MD Carlos Rodrigues notes: “Speed, topography and distribution cycle all play a role. With electromobility, it is all about power availability and we are in a position to offer customers a peace of mind transition into electromobility. We offer turnkey solutions including charging infrastructure with partnerships we have already established so that our customers don’t have to worry about power supply into the truck.”
The brand also offers customers who take out a maintenance contract a battery guarantee. The 200kWh battery is underwritten for 125kWh usable energy per full charge within 10 years or 250MWh total delivered energy, whichever comes first. The 300kWh battery is underwritten for 187.5kWh usable energy per full charge within 10 years or 375MWh total delivered energy, whichever comes first.
The D Wide Z.E. uses regenerative braking, as with all Z.E. models, utilising the motor to convert the kinetic energy during deceleration into electrical energy, conserving energy and extending driving range.
Inside the day cab, the roomy interior is equipped with air-suspended Comfort driver’s seat including driver’s armrest.All Z.E. vehicles are designed to look and feel familiar to drivers, featuring the same interface in the cab as Renault Trucks’ diesel range with a few new commands.A new electronic PTO engages with body equipment in a similar way to the mechanical version to ensure bodybuilders can work with an interface they already know.
The new D Wide Z.E. joins the 16 tonne D Z.E. and the Master Z.E. LCV line-up of 100% electric vehicles.
Renault Trucks predicts that electric vehicles will represent 10% of its sales volume by 2025.