Freeburn Transport takes first Renault Trucks E-Tech T in Northern Ireland
Freeburn Transport is preparing to put its first fully-electric truck into operation, with the arrival of a new Renault Trucks E-Tech T 4×2 tractor unit supplied by Diamond Trucks.
The new vehicle is understood to be the first Renault Trucks E-Tech T in Northern Ireland and marks a significant step in the County Tyrone haulier’s move towards lower emission logistics.
Headquartered in Moy, Co Tyrone, Freeburn Transport operates across the UK, Ireland and Europe, providing ambient, chilled, groupage, warehousing, customs clearance and distribution services.
The business runs a mixed fleet of 150 trucks and more than 400 trailers, with Renault Trucks now representing a growing share of the operation and further diesel Renault Trucks due to join the fleet this year.
The E-Tech T will be used initially on trunking work, moving trailers between Freeburn sites, before being introduced more widely as the business builds real-world experience of electric operation.
Richard Lee, operations manager at Freeburn Transport, commented: “We are always looking to evolve as a business and electric is where things are going. We have had interest about EVs from customers, particularly in retail, and this gives us the opportunity to see where electric can fit into our operation.
“It is a new step for us, but we have worked closely with the teams at Renault Trucks and Diamond Trucks to look at how the E-Tech T could be used, and the timing felt right.”
Freeburn is working closely with Renault Trucks and Diamond Trucks on route modelling, charging plans and driver training before the E-Tech T enters service, reflecting the level of planning required when an operator introduces electric HGV technology for the first time.
Lee said: “The simulations have been very useful. They give us an idea of what the truck can do before we put it physically on the road, so we can look at where it fits best in the operation and build from there.”
Iain Latimer, dealer principal at Diamond Trucks, added: “The important thing with electric vehicles is making sure the truck is right for the work. Through Renault Trucks’ energy transition specialists, we can look at route analysis, load simulations, charging and the practical detail that gives customers confidence. All of that groundwork has been done to help make sure this vehicle can fit into Freeburn’s operation.”
Until Freeburn’s charging infrastructure is fully operational, the vehicle will be able to use Diamond Trucks’ charging facilities at Mallusk.
The dealership has invested in electric vehicle capability, including technician training and on-site charging.
The 40-tonne GCW tractor unit is equipped with six lithium-ion battery packs with a total capacity of 540kWh. Powered by three electric motors, it delivers up to 490kW continuous power and 2,400Nm of maximum torque, with Renault Trucks’ Optidriver automated gearbox adapted for the electric driveline.
For Freeburn, the vehicle’s capability will be tested in a real working environment, with the business expecting the E-Tech T to carry out regular trunking work and potentially cover up to 200 miles per day as the operation develops.
The E-Tech T includes a sleeper cab, rear-view cameras, four-point cab air suspension, parking cooler and heater, cab preconditioning when connected to mains electricity, and Renault Trucks connected services including Optifleet Check, Optifleet Map and the Driver App.
Renault Trucks has also offered driver training support, enabling Freeburn’s driver trainer to understand how to get the best from the electric vehicle before sharing that knowledge with the wider driver team.
Freeburn says the E-Tech T could pave the way for further electric vehicles if the first truck performs as expected, with the business already considering where additional charging infrastructure and electric trucks could fit into its wider depot network.