A new project by Renault and partners targets fuel efficiency in distribution trucks
After designing the long-distance Optifuel Lab 2 truck, Renault Trucks and six partners say they are extending the research to create a fuel-efficient distribution vehicle.
The Efficient Distribution Truck (EDIT) project hopes to design a prototype Renault Trucks D Wide Euro 6 with a refrigerated body that cuts fuel consumption by 13 per cent over a current production vehicle.
Like the Optifuel Lab 2, the EDIT truck will focus on energy management, aerodynamics, wheel resistance and driving aids to achieve its goal.
Contributing to the project are Valeo, Lamberet, Michelin, BeNomad, LamCoS and Ifsttar, which will only be able to utilise technology that will be commercially available by 2020.
“The project is based on various areas of research,” Renault says.
“First of all, the aerodynamics of the vehicle and refrigerated body will be thoroughly revised.”
“Then, the prototype will be fitted with a low voltage macro-hybrid system which will recover some of the braking energy via a reversible electric system.
“This will be used to power auxiliary equipment with recovered electrical energy and can also provide occasional support to the internal combustion engine.”
Renault says it will integrate a range of driver aid solutions, including the ability for the truck to connect to traffic lights and travel at the most fuel-efficient speed to accommodate when they will change.
The EDIT vehicle will run on low rolling resistant tyres, Renault believes, and allow drivers to select the most economic itinerary for the drive.
Renault predicts the first vehicle will be completed in 2018.