In a statement, XPO explained it has finalised orders for 65 electric trucks to date, with all 100 trucks being delivered between Q4 2022 and 2024.
The 16-tonne and 19-tonne commercial vehicles will be based at 28 XPO less-than-truckload (LTL) sites in France, and will be used to transport palletized goods as partial loads.
The company says it expects to be making about 25% of its deliveries with electric vehicles by 2030, reducing CO2 emissions by more than 26,000t.
Besides its sustainability ambitions, XPO added that the move was also conducted in anticipation of future regulations that may govern deliveries in urban areas.
The Renault Trucks E-Tech trucks have a loading capacity of 18 to 21 pallets and are equipped with a 185 kW engine. With a range of up to 250 km on a single charge, each truck reduces CO2 by an estimated 45.7t per year, compared with trucks running on diesel fuel.
“The vehicles operate without direct CO2 emissions and significantly reduce noise and odour pollution, making them well-suited for deliveries in congested urban areas. They also emit fewer fine particles, and operate with less vibration, which reduces driver fatigue. Each truck is fitted with a 360° camera that reduces blind spots for greater safety,” said XPO, in its press release.
Commenting on the announcement, Bruno Kloeckner, XPO Logistics’ Managing Director for France, said,
“We had a positive experience testing the first Renault Trucks electric truck for deliveries in urban areas. Our new order for 100 all-electric trucks is an unprecedented agreement for both XPO and Renault Trucks in France. We have also made a major investment to equip our sites with more than 80 electric charging points. These commitments illustrate our determination to move towards more sustainable road transport and support our customers as much as possible in decarbonizing their supply chain activities.”
Christophe Martin, managing director of Renault Trucks France, added,
“We are delighted to contribute to XPO’s energy transition by fulfilling the largest order for Renault Trucks electric trucks in France. Our relationship with XPO has been built on trust over many years, and is one of the key factors leading to this milestone agreement. Renault Trucks is a sustainability leader in the French market, and as such, we have a duty to lead the way towards sustainable transport.”
