The Rise of Electric Trucks in Long-Haul Transport
Electric vehicles (EVs) continue to redefine transportation, with long-haul trucking now entering the electric era. Global EV market trends for 2025 show significant growth in battery capacities, range improvements, and charging infrastructures supporting longer routes. As sustainability pressures mount, trucks with extended ranges and powerful electric drivetrains will transform freight logistics. Renault Trucks recently unveiled new long-distance electric models that emphasize these advances, reflecting the industry’s push for zero-emission heavy-duty transport.
Innovative Design and Performance Enhancements
Renault Trucks introduced the E-Tech T 780 and E-Tech T 585, which offer ranges of up to 600 km and 460 km, respectively. They are tailored for long-haul and payload-focused operations. Central to achieving this range is a novel electric axle developed in-house by the Volvo Group. Integrating motors and transmission into a compact unit at the vehicle’s rear. This design frees up chassis space, allowing additional battery packs to be installed between side members. The trucks use prismatic NCA lithium-ion batteries with an L-shaped design. They provide capacities of 780 kWh (T 780) and 585 kWh (T 585). These batteries are backed by Renault’s performance guarantee for up to 8 years or 1 million kilometers. This certainly highlights durability for commercial use.
Charging and Operational Efficiency
Both trucks support ultra-fast charging through the Megawatt Charging System (MCS) at up to 720 kW and standard CCS charging up to 350 kW. This makes it possible to regain up to 350 km of range during a typical 45-minute driver rest break, crucial for maintaining productivity on long routes. Depot charging via CCS is also supported for overnight or interim charges. Notably, these models have discontinued AC charging in favor of more efficient DC charging systems. Renault Trucks complements these vehicles with connected services like Optifleet for telematics, Serenity Pack for operational assistance, and a driver app to monitor charging and vehicle readiness remotely.
Comfort, Maneuverability, and Payload Optimization
Designed for heavy-duty applications, the 6×2 tractor variants feature air suspension for enhanced driver comfort and improved maneuverability comparable to 4×2 models, particularly useful when docking. The steerable and liftable rear axle reduces tire wear on return trips with low loads. Payload capacity is substantial, with the E-Tech T 585 achieving up to 28 tonnes depending on local regulations, making it competitive in the heavy freight market. These features ensure that operators receive both environmental benefits and operational practicality.
Strategic Implications for Sustainable Freight
By expanding its electric fleet, Renault Trucks reinforces its commitment to decarbonizing long-haul logistics. These new models, assembled in Bourg-en-Bresse, France, demonstrate how advanced battery technology, vehicle design innovation, and comprehensive service offerings converge to make electric trucks viable for demanding freight markets. This step alignes with broader industry trends toward electrification. Thus enabling transport operators to reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and comply with increasingly strict environmental regulations. The availability to order these trucks now signals a growing readiness for zero-emission commerce on longer routes.
Renault’s latest electric trucks exemplify the evolution of heavy-duty vehicles, showcasing how technology is overcoming traditional barriers like range and charging time. These developments are crucial as the commercial transport sector moves toward sustainability while maintaining efficiency and profitability on the road.
