Tesco has just purchased its first Renault E-Tech D refrigerated trailer, which will be making deliveries from Tesco’s Dagenham distribution centre to more than 400 stores in Greater London. With plans to add more of these trucks to its fleet in the near future, the 18-tonne zero emissions electric truck comes with a Solomon Commercials refrigeration body, which is also low noise.

“We all want to see improved air quality and less pollution in our towns and cities, and electric vehicles will play a crucial role in achieving this. The Tesco distribution network is one of the largest in the UK and provides us with a great opportunity to roll out new technologies like this,” said Jason Tarry, chief executive of Tesco UK and ROI.

“Together with our switch to electric home delivery vans and rolling out electric vehicle charging points for our customers, we’re really excited about the improvements we’re making across our business and our transition to electric vehicles.”

Due to its features, the E-Tech D Wide vehicle will be used in the capital’s urban area. The Renault vehicle features Carrier TRS Syberia 11 refrigeration equipment with a power converter, powered directly from the vehicle batteries via Renault Trucks’ 600v TVJB Fridge power supply unit. It also has multi temperature zones, allowing the truck to move stock with differing temperature needs.

The Renault vehicle purchased by Tesco is equipped with Solomon Commercials’ refrigerated body, a 6.4m external length with rear shutter door and a 1500kg column tail lift, built to Tesco’s specification. It is powered by 265kWh, 600 V lithium-ion batteries comprising four battery packs of 66kW each, located in the wheelbase. The E-Tech reduction gearbox offers two forward speeds and one reverse.

Moreover, the vehicle also comes with Renault Trucks’ guarantee that the battery will operate for up to 10 years or deliver 300MW of energy over its lifetime.

“We are delighted that Tesco, the UK’s largest supermarket chain, has chosen to partner with Renault Trucks on its journey to net zero and selected the E-Tech D-Wide for its first fully electric model to move refrigerated goods more quietly and with zero emissions across the Greater London area,” added Carlos Rodrigues, Renault Trucks UK and Ireland MD.

Funded by Renault Trucks Financial Services on a full service lease, Renault Truck Commercials Essex is providing aftersales support for the E-Tech D Wide.