Electric vehicles are reshaping perceptions of their capabilities, as exemplified by Renault Trucks’ E-Tech T Diamond Echo. This innovative electric and electroluminescent truck embarked on an ambitious journey across Europe, culminating in the frigid temperatures of Finnish Lapland. Covering a staggering 23,000 kilometers since its departure from Lyon, France, in April 2024, the truck showcased its endurance and efficiency by traversing various countries, including Germany, Spain, and Switzerland. Demonstrating remarkable range and adaptability, the vehicle managed daily stages up to 700 kilometers, with optimized charging intervals ensuring consistent performance.
The Finnish leg of the roadshow, marking its finale, provided the ultimate test of the truck’s resilience under extreme winter conditions. In temperatures as low as -19°C, the truck traveled 1,600 kilometers from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, dispelling myths about electric vehicles’ limitations in severe climates. Impressively, it managed a single-charge journey of 250 kilometers and a day-long trip of 700 kilometers, bolstered by intermediate charges. Despite a modest 10–15% increase in energy consumption due to cold-weather factors like aerodynamics and winter tires, the truck’s performance remained on par with traditional diesel counterparts. Features such as programmable pre-heating ensured efficient cabin heating without significant range impact.
The roadshow highlighted not only the truck’s performance but also its reliability. In stark contrast to diesel trucks that faltered in subzero temperatures, the E-Tech T Diamond Echo started without issue, reinforcing its dependability. As Renault Trucks concludes this year-long demonstration, the results validate electric trucks as viable, reliable solutions for the future, even in the most challenging conditions.
