How fully electric trucks feel in real operation could be personally experienced by drivers from various transport companies last weekend. Renault Trucks had invited them to a training day at the Sovereign Academy site in Norderstedt – with the aim of reducing apprehension and receiving direct feedback from practice.
According to reports, more than 30 participants took advantage of the opportunity to experience the manufacturer's fully electric vehicle concept in the truest sense of the word. Transport companies such as Deuse Transporte, Sovereign Speed, Bode, Ernst Pfaff, as well as Addicks & Kreye sent their driving personnel to the training day. The focus was on practical driving exercises with the E-Tech T models from Renault Trucks, complemented by short theory sessions on electromobility and energy consumption in driving operations.
Renault Trucks reported that eight battery-electric E-Tech T
were available: including vehicles from the fleets of Addicks & Kreye, Sovereign Speed – with vehicles commissioned by Beiersdorf – as well as from the manufacturer's demo fleet itself. The subsidiary Activ Cars was also represented with a vehicle.
Hands-on Training and Targeted Change in Perspective
The training program deliberately focused on everyday practicality. Participants compared the driving characteristics of diesel and electric trucks, conducted fuel consumption tests, and exchanged views with the Renault Trucks trainer team regarding operating conditions and handling.
Particularly in demand was the driving skill in the so-called "tea bag test": A pendulum attached to the radiator grille was to be maneuvered precisely into a designated cup – a challenge for the sensitivity behind the wheel.
For many, it was their first ride in a fully electric truck. At Renault Trucks, there was
corresponding excitement about the feedback. The quiet driving behavior and immediate power delivery received consistently positive responses. In conversations, several drivers expressed surprise at how intuitive the vehicle was to operate, was the concluding summary.
Direct Exchange with Practice
For Renault Trucks, the focus was not only on presenting their own technology but also on exchanging ideas with the driving personnel.
"The training day provided us with valuable insights from practice. The perspective of the drivers in particular helps us tailor our products even better to the requirements of everyday work," explained Frederic Ruesche, Managing Director of Renault Trucks.
With formats like the training day, the company aims to promote the acceptance of electromobility in road freight traffic. The goal is to involve driving personnel early on and to dispel reservations about the technology.
Brand Strategy: Electric
in all Segments
Renault Trucks sees itself as a pioneer in electromobility. According to their own statements, the manufacturer is currently the only one with a continuous fully electric portfolio for vehicles ranging from 3.07 to 44 tons. The company also announced that by 2030, electric trucks are to account for half of total sales. By 2040, the manufacturer plans to offer a completely fossil-free fleet. In addition to battery-electric solutions, Renault Trucks also relies on alternative energies and fuel-optimized diesel engines.
The German market company of the manufacturer, based in Ismaning near Munich, is part of the Volvo Group. Through a network of 20 own locations and more than 130 partner operations, Renault Trucks offers sales and service throughout Germany. The focus is increasingly on sustainable transport solutions, supported by concepts such as circular economy and
