Solomon delivers for Tesco’s first 18-tonne refrigerated electric truck

The new zero-emission refrigerated electric truck is now delivering from Tesco’s Dagenham distribution centre to more than 400 stores in Greater London, with further electric vehicles planned to enter service in the coming months.

Fully electric, the E-Tech D Wide is eligible to operate in the capital’s Ultra Low Emission Zone and Congestion Charge Zone without incurring charges, while its zero tailpipe emissions in use and low traffic noise make it ideal for Tesco’s urban deliveries.

Tesco’s E-Tech D Wide vehicle features Carrier TRS Syberia 11 refrigeration equipment with power converter and is powered directly from the vehicle batteries via Renault Trucks’ 600v TVJB Fridge power supply unit. The vehicle has multi-temperature zones, allowing the truck to move stock with differing temperature needs.

Jason Tarry, Tesco UK and ROI CEO, said: “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 industry-leading E-Tech electric truck from Renault Trucks.

“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.”

Carlos Rodrigues, Managing Director, Renault Trucks UK & Ireland, added: “We’re delighted that Tesco, one of the UK’s leading supermarkets, 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.”

The vehicle will use a Solomon Commercials’ Slipstream body specifically designed to optimise load while maximising aerodynamics to cut drag and improve vehicle range.

Anthony Clegg, Sales Director at Solomon Commercials, concluded: “More and more customers are actively looking to introduce carbon neutral policies and to minimise the impact of their vehicles on the environment. We’ve been working with clients, such as Tesco, for many years with these objectives in mind and we’re proud to play our part.

“We can see the transition to commercial electric vehicles picking up pace, particularly with the Government wanting to reach stringent emissions targets and to create clean air cities. Electric vehicles will play an important role in ensuring this is achieved.”

Tesco’s first Renault Trucks E-Tech D Wide E-Tech 18 + 1-tonne dispensation on a 4.75m wheelbase with Day Cab is equipped with Solomon Commercials refrigerated body, 6.4m external length with rear shutter door and 1500kg column tail lift, built to Tesco specification.

Powered by 265kWh, 600 V lithium-ion batteries (four battery packs of 66 kW each, located in the wheelbase), the Alternating Current synchronous electric machines (providing power for the vehicle and recovering regenerative energy) with permanent-magnet technology deliver maximum power of 370 kW peak, continuous power of 260 kW and maximum torque of 425 Nm. The E-Tech reduction gearbox offers two forward speeds and one reverse.