Renault Trucks consolidates its electric strategy at Solutrans 2025

At Solutrans 2025 in Lyon, Renault Trucks presented a fully updated electric range, together with an industrial and commercial plan focused on decarbonising freight transport in France and across Europe. Christophe Martin, managing director of Renault Trucks France, described a national market in decline but still capable of responding through targeted innovation and new alliances for heavy-duty transport and last-mile operations. According to internal estimates, the 2025 year-end market should reach between 42,000 and 43,000 truck registrations, a fall of more than 13% compared with 2024 and a level comparable to the pandemic period, a setback driven by political instability, reduced access to credit and weaker company profitability.

Within this scenario the French manufacturer maintains a market share of around 31%, one percentage point higher than the previous year. Management views this increase as more meaningful than absolute volumes, as it reflects the ability to support customer competitiveness and reinforce loyalty. According to company data, the French market for electric trucks will grow by 50% in 2025, with around eight hundred registrations expected, more than 60% of which linked to the Volvo Group brands. More than two thousand electric Renault Trucks vehicles are now in circulation, having accumulated forty million kilometres, a sign of technological maturity proven in real-world operations.

The French manufacturer used the Lyon exhibition to unveil a series of innovations, all centred on electric mobility. The highlights are the Renault Trucks E-Tech T 585 and E-Tech T 780, designed for long-haul operations and capable of reaching up to six hundred kilometres on a single charge. The increased range is made possible by the introduction of a rear electric axle integrating motors and transmission, freeing up space between the chassis rails and allowing additional battery packs. The lithium-ion NCA batteries have an L-shaped structure that fits into the new profile and are guaranteed for up to eight years or one million kilometres.

The E-Tech T 585, equipped with 585 kWh batteries, offers up to 460 km of range and delivers the highest payload in the line-up. The E-Tech T 780, with 780 kWh, reaches six hundred kilometres and is aimed at operators who prioritise maximum distance. Both vehicles are compatible with the Megawatt Charging System up to 720 kW: according to the manufacturer, a 45-minute stop can recover up to 350 km. Depot charging via CCS up to 350 kW also remains available. In parallel, the Renault Trucks E-Tech T 540 4x2 continues to evolve and can now reach 450 km.

The 6x2 versions of the E-Tech T 585 and 780 feature integrated pneumatic suspension to improve driving comfort and precision during docking manoeuvres. The steerable, liftable rear axle reduces tyre wear when running at low load. The E-Tech T 585 can achieve a payload of twenty-eight tonnes in line with local regulations. All models will be produced at the Bourg-en-Bresse plant, where heavy Renault Trucks E-Tech T and E-Tech C electric vehicles have been assembled since 2023.

The renewal of the range also extends to urban applications. Renault Trucks presented the new E-Tech D12 and, alongside it, the Renault Trucks E-Tech D14, a 14-tonne truck designed for city-centre distribution. With a width of 2.39 metres, a wheelbase of 3.8 metres and a turning radius of less than 7.3 metres, the E-Tech D14 is the most compact and manoeuvrable electric model in the range. Its four 176 kWh LFP batteries provide up to 220 km of range, enough to cover a full day of urban activity. The onboard 43 kW AC charger enables charging via widely available, easy-to-install terminals, while the 6.7-tonne payload meets the needs of dry and refrigerated transport. Full air suspension completes the configuration tailored to city operations. The model is produced at the Blainville sur Orne plant and is already available to order.

The range for light-duty applications is completed by the Renault Trucks Master Red Edition Propulsion and Master Red Edition Offroad, both designed to meet the demands of the construction sector and professional users requiring robust, versatile vehicles. The Master Red Edition Propulsion adopts rear-wheel drive, with a gross weight of up to 4.5 tonnes, an improved turning radius and a load volume of up to seventeen cubic metres in van configuration. Chassis cab variants can be fitted with specialist bodies, including refrigerated or tipper versions. The option of integrating a power take-off facilitates the installation of equipment such as refrigeration units or generators. The Construction+ package includes protective elements and components dedicated to worksite operations.

The Master Red Edition Offroad, available as a van or single or double cab, is intended for light construction work. Reinforced rear suspension, increased ground clearance and specific protective elements improve mobility on uneven terrain. A zero-emission electric version is also available. Its durable interior materials and air-suspended driver’s seat meet the needs of users working in challenging conditions.

The industrial strategy is supported by a set of digital and assistance services developed to increase vehicle uptime. The Optifleet telematics platform offers route planning, real-time vehicle monitoring, consumption analysis and charging management. The Serenity Pack provides specialised support during the first year of electric operation, while the Driver app allows remote monitoring of charging status and pre-conditioning of the cab and batteries. The E-Tech programme includes dedicated consultants able to conduct fleet analyses, site assessments and energy simulations to build customised decarbonisation plans.

Alongside these tools, the manufacturer is developing a private and public charging network with partners such as Kennedy for industrial site connections, Mobilize, Isidia, ChargePoly and MerC for company installations, and Milence for high-power charging, a project developed in collaboration with the Volvo Group and other partners. The Renault Trucks service network now exceeds three hundred E-Tech certified service points, supported by the activities of Renault Trucks Financial Services and by Clovis, which plays a key role in rental and energy transition services.