TQM tested the e-truck Renault Trucks E-Tech T: First experiences and a realistic view on the future of zero-emission transport
30. 6. 2025
The transport and logistics company TQM - holding s.r.o. (TQM) took part in testing the 100% electric Renault Trucks E-Tech T truck. The test run took place on regular transport routes in Opava and the surrounding area for the company Model Obaly a.s. between June 5 and 13, 2025. The aim of the testing was to examine the vehicle's performance in normal operation and to obtain real data for further decision-making in the field of sustainable transport.
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The tested e-truck Renault Trucks E-Tech T model is Renault Trucks' flagship in the field of electromobility for truck transport. The e-truck has six NCA lithium-ion batteries with a total capacity of 540 kWh. The declared range is between 260 and 360 km, but real-world use operates with a reserve. The batteries are never used to their full capacity, and the vehicle actively recovers energy while driving. Average consumption during testing at TQM reached 1.1 kWh/km, which is below the vehicle's declared long-term average (1.25 kWh/km). This favorable consumption was mainly influenced by operating conditions – the vehicle drove approximately 80% with a low load and 20% with a medium load. Stable and mild weather without extreme temperatures also contributed to the better results, as did the driving style of the drivers, who consistently used energy recovery.
The e-truck was loaned for testing by the Renault Trucks representative for the Czech Republic. In test mode, the vehicle transported goods between the Model Obaly plant and the TQM Logistics Center in Opava, as well as on selected routes to Ostrava, Olomouc, and Bruntál. Before going into full operation, drivers were trained in the driving and operation of this new type of vehicle. The e-truck was charged at the TQM premises on Bílovecká Street in Opava using a 40 kW Kempower DC mobile charger with two outputs loaned by Renault Trucks. During the test, its power was limited to 20 kW due to the socket it was plugged into.
"I admit that I approached electromobility with a certain amount of skepticism," says one of the TQM drivers, who is also a dispatcher, assessing the operation of the electric tractor. "But I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised by the characteristics of the etruck. The power, acceleration, and smoothness of the ride were excellent, and the overall handling of the vehicle was intuitive. The silence in the cab is unusual, making the perception of surrounding traffic much more intense."
The e-truck automatically regulates the temperature of the batteries, cooling them in summer and preheating them in winter. The batteries are cooled even when the vehicle is parked and turned off. For an ideal start, it is advisable to connect the vehicle to the mains so that the batteries are heated/cooled directly from the mains rather than from an internal source. Renault Trucks guarantees the usability of the batteries for a maximum of 10 years. "We wanted to try out electromobility in practice, gain experience with the technology, test it in our conditions, and have our own data. That's why we got involved in the test. As a transport company, we want to be prepared for the changes brought about by the market and legislation, and we want to have a relevant stance on electromobility that is based on data, not on prejudices or trends. At the same time, we are pleased that we were able to involve our long-term business partner, Model Obaly, in the testing, as they can evaluate this process not only from the perspective of transport results, but also as an active participant in the entire project," comments Svatopluk Kříž, Director of Truck Transport at TQM.
The test week also included an official presentation of the vehicle directly to Model Obaly employees in Opava. In addition to a demonstration of the e-truck itself and a presentation of the vehicle's technical parameters, there was also a test drive and a discussion about other possible directions for development in the field of electric truck mobility.
"We are constantly looking for ways to behave sustainably – and thanks to the solar power plant, electromobility, and the closed paper cycle, we are making progress every day. Testing electric trucks is a natural outcome of our efforts," says Josef Chalupný, director of Model Obaly.
The conclusions from the testing are realistic. The electric tractor has proven to be fully usable in urban and regional transport. For long-distance routes, such as transport between Opava and Prague, or international transport, the infrastructure and legislative conditions are not yet in place. Key factors for the future appear to be the construction of public or private charging stations, the possibility of using photovoltaics for charging, state support in the form of targeted programs and incentives for electric truck mobility, or even significant discounts on tolls. For the Opava–Olomouc transport carried out on the I/46 road, TQM paid approximately 15% less in tolls than it would have if it had used a traditional diesel truck. "The toll should take into account the almost double purchase price and significantly lower noise pollution and zero emissions associated with driving an electric truck. The economic benefits of using electric trucks will also be significantly influenced by service costs in the future. Today, these often include repairs related to sensor failures, filter replacements, or emission system components, which are completely or largely eliminated in electric vehicles due to their design," adds Svatopluk Kříž.
TQM will continue to monitor developments in this area and gather experience for future decision-making.
TEST SUMMARY
Renault E-TECH T, period from 05.06.2025 - 13.06.2025
Number of kilometers driven: 625
Energy consumed: 689 kWh
Recuperation: 253 kWh
Average consumption: 1.1 kWh
Average driving speed: 42 km/h
Highest daily mileage (45 % of traction battery capacity): 163 km
Total amount of energy charged: 678 kWh
For more detailed information, please contact:
Ing. Anna Durajová, Head of Marketing Department, TQM - holding s.r.o.
Phone: +420 722 961 931, e-mail: durajova@tqm.cz
About TQM - holding s.r.o.
TQM - holding s.r.o. is a long-standing provider of domestic and international freight transport services. In addition to freight transport, the company focuses on passenger bus transport, logistics, and service activities.
Photo source: TQM - holding s.r.o. and Model Obaly a.s.
