Renault converts a combustion truck to a BEV
To assess the environmental, technical and economic feasibility of converting trucks to electric, Renault Trucks converted a 12-tonne diesel truck to a battery electric truck. The project was made possible through collaboration with Novumtech, a start-up company specialising in the development and manufacture of batteries. Financial support came from the French Environment and Energy Agency ADEME.
The conversion of the 12-tonne Renault Truck D into an electric truck changed “only what was strictly necessary”: Engine, transmission, fuel tank and AdBlue tank. In addition, the components connected to the combustion engine (hydraulic pump for the power steering, air compressor for the suspension and brakes and air conditioning compressor) were removed. These combustion components were replaced with an electric motor directly connected to the drive shaft, a 210 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, a 22 kW on-board charger, an electric air compressor for the suspension and brakes, an electric hydraulic pump for the power steering, an electric air-conditioning compressor and an electric heater for the cabin.
The project was carried out at the CampX by Volvo Group facility at Renault Truck’s site in Lyon, implying further cooperation. According to Renault, “The purpose of CampX is to accelerate technological and commercial innovation by creating synergies between Renault Trucks employees (the Lyon engineering team) and start-ups.”
The next phase of the project involves registering the retrofitted truck to comply with current regulations. Once approved, Renault Trucks will launch a test phase under real operating conditions in partnership with Clovis Grand Paris.
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