Renault E-Tech delivers for Mitchells of Mansfield
East Midlands-based dealer RH Commercial Vehicles (RHCV) recently delivered the UK’s first 18-tonne Renault E-Tech electric curtain-sided truck to Nottinghamshire overnight pallet distributor, Mitchells of Mansfield.
Mitchells of Mansfield is a family-run business that started in 1968. In 1995, it became a founding member of Palletways and has also worked with The Pallet Network, Palletline, and The Hazchem Network.
Over the past year, the company has been taking steps toward reducing and offsetting its carbon emissions. New goals have been set to achieve this: by 2023, it aims to offset 25 per cent of its carbon, 50 per cent by 2024, and 100 per cent by 2026. The addition of the Renault Trucks E-Tech D Wide will significantly help these aims.
Richard Montgomery, managing director at Mitchells of Mansfield, said: “Progression and positive change is a cornerstone of the business. We are doing just that by investing in the latest equipment like the Renault Trucks E-Tech vehicle.
“Our decisions on technology and equipment are based on the reduction of our environmental impact. We want to set the benchmark for the palletised market, by dipping our toes in electromobility, we can prove we are a sustainable business built on trust, sincerity, and responsibility.”
The Renault Trucks E-Tech D Wide’s zero tailpipe emissions qualify it to operate in cities that are reducing their CO2 emissions and improving air quality, while the vehicle’s low noise output is said to make it ideal for urban operation.
It is fitted with four battery packs which provide 66kW of energy each and the truck is equipped with an onboard AC charger and is compatible with DC fast charging. This allows fast charging of the vehicle to maximise its daily operational range.
Mitchells of Mansfield operates frequently within Nottingham City Centre. The city has launched high-level objectives to have a resilient and carbon-neutral city by 2028. According to a study, 30 per cent of CO2 emissions come from transport. Initiatives such as clean air zones are being researched which can affect freight deliveries.
Richard Montgomery continued: “It is becoming increasingly clear that zero emissions and sustainable transport solutions are an inevitable future in this industry.
“It is important to get ahead of the curve and get used to this method of transportation before it is too late.
“It is a huge investment to decarbonise a fleet but by introducing this truck now, we can determine our next steps in improving our carbon footprint.”
Simon Bailey, sales executive for RHCV, added: “The truck will be incredibly reliable to Mitchells of Mansfield; it can keep up with the business demands whilst having the capacity to complete a full day’s work on a single charge and emitting zero tailpipe emissions. This also means that it can operate in low-emission zones such as London.
“With it being a curtain-sided vehicle fitted with a tail lift too, means the business can continue to operate quickly and efficiently with speedy load and unload benefits and simplified partial deliveries as they did before on the equivalent diesel-fuelled vehicles.”
The vehicle has been fitted with safety equipment from SM UK. This includes front, rear and side cameras which provide the driver with a bird’s eye view of what is happening around them.
Steve MacDonald, managing director of SM UK Ltd, said: “Safety on our roads is of utmost importance both in terms of the driver and the vulnerable road user. Sidescan will aid the driver with blind spots whilst Halo will activate and illuminate when in low light situation or turning left.”
Combined with cameras, sensors and audible warning systems, the chances of a collision occurring are said to be drastically reduced.
Mitchells of Mansfield MD Richard Montgomery
The vehicle will be used for localised deliveries and collections. Richard Montgomery added: “It has been fantastic to work with RH Commercial Vehicles on such a drastic change. We have had a great working relationship for many years, so we are confident that we are in safe hands as the electric truck goes into operation.
“Having the first truck of its kind in the UK is an incredibly exciting development for the business and I look forward to seeing how it performs in the business.”
Paul Pearson, commercial director of RH Commercial Vehicles, commented: “It has been great to work with a company that shares our commitment to innovation and consideration for the world around us. I believe this vehicle will be an asset to the business, and we will be working closely with Mitchells of Mansfield as they discover the potential of electric mobility.”
