Renault develops a revolutionary electric refrigerated truck

The transportation of fresh products requires very powerful and noisy refrigerated trucks. Renault may have an electric solution.

Who has never cursed the very high noise level of refrigerated trucks, particularly at 5 AM when diesel engines are running at full throttle in the silent streets to restock stores before they open?

It’s hard to blame the delivery drivers; they do what they can with the resources they have. Nevertheless, Renault Trucks aims to tackle the problem by developing a 100% electric solution that is much quieter and more environmentally friendly in terms of carbon footprint.

Its laboratory truck is called Oxygen. After an initial phase of tests conducted in Lyon and Paris, the manufacturer is moving on to a new stage with a second version of this electric vehicle dedicated to urban logistics. In October 2024, a prototype equipped with a refrigerated body, developed in collaboration with the Dutch supermarket chain Jumbo and SVZ, will begin a testing phase in Amsterdam (Netherlands).

Amsterdam, known for its commitment to sustainable mobility, is an ideal setting for this new experiment. Jumbo, the second largest retail player in the Netherlands, operates more than 700 stores in the country and Belgium. SVZ, the carrier responsible for supplying fresh products for Jumbo, contributes to environmental efforts by collaborating on the development of this 26-ton electric truck designed for zero-emission areas.

More comfort for the driver too

Starting January 1, 2025, the Netherlands could establish zero-emission zones, where only decarbonized vehicles will be allowed to circulate, in order to reduce CO2 emissions in urban areas. Unlike the first phase of experimentation, conducted with Geodis for dry goods deliveries, this new stage will allow for refrigerated, silent, secure, and non-polluting deliveries from warehouses to Jumbo supermarkets in the heart of Amsterdam for six months.

“This innovative project, developed with Jumbo and SVZ, demonstrates the importance of collaboration to achieve sustainability goals,” emphasizes Jérôme Berthelet, managing director of Renault Trucks in the Netherlands. “Our shared ambition was to create a low-carbon urban solution. Realizing this pilot in Amsterdam, a pioneering city in environmental management, adds significant value to our approach.”

Oxygen has been designed by Renault Trucks and 17 partners to meet the requirements of urban areas, integrating safety, comfort, and modernity. The lowered cab and large windshield provide excellent direct visibility for the driver, allowing for better sight of road users at eye level. Cameras replace mirrors, offering a 360° view and enhanced detection of pedestrians and vulnerable road users in the blind spot.

A sliding door on the passenger side has been installed to improve comfort and safety, allowing the driver to exit the vehicle from both sides, thus reducing risks associated with opening traditional doors. Access to the cabin is facilitated by a lower entry height.

This prototype was manufactured at the Renault Trucks factory in Blainville-sur-Orne, the first in Europe to produce electric trucks in series since 2020.

Technical specifications of the Renault Trucks Oxygen

• GVW: 26 tons
• Chassis: 6×2
• Dimensions: 10 meters (length) x 2.6 m (width) x 3.8 m (height)
• Wheelbase: 4600 mm
• Body: Refrigerated unit integrated into the chassis, adapted for supermarket carts
• Battery capacity: 3 x 94 kWh, totaling 282 kWh
• Range: 150 km, sufficient for daily deliveries

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