Renault Trucks has unveiled its multimodal last mile e-mobility concept, designed to provide cleaner, greener and more accessible urban deliveries.
Dubbed the E-Tech Master OptiModale, it combines three types of electric transportation in one vehicle: a fully electric 3.5-tonne LWB L3H1 E-Tech Master van with Low Loader Luton body by Horton Commercials; an eBullitt e-cargo bike; and parcel-carrying drone from Uvatek.
The van is used to carry the parcels as a ‘Mothership’ and the e-cargo bike and drone helipad system can then deliver them.
It’s aimed at a wide range of logistics operations as well as medical applications and is suitable for parcels of various sizes, providing potential to transform the rapidly growing parcel market.
Grahame Neagus, head of LCV at Renault Trucks UK & Ireland, explained: “The E-Tech Master OptiModale is a two-person operation, offering the flexibility of delivering larger parcels by van, whilst the second team member takes the eBullitt cargo bike for last mile deliveries where congestion is at its worst. Additionally, the drone provides rapid deployment for urgent situations, such as delivering vital drugs or supplies to challenging or inaccessible locations.”
The 3.5-tonne LWB L3H1 platform cab uses the R75 electric motor and 33kWh battery, giving a typical range of around 80 miles. It’s fitted with a specially commissioned 4,100mm low loader Luton body by Horton Commercials that’s fully equipped for parcel delivery with folding shelving, with electric cargo bike store to the nearside complete with bike lift, and heli-drone pad system.
The latest-gen eBullitt electric cargo bike, capable of carrying up to 100kg of smaller parcels, is finished in a Renault Trucks Red frame with corresponding white cargo box. The Shimano e-system can provide up to 50km (31 miles) of power assist for the cyclist and once back on board the E-Tech Master OptiModale, the battery can be removed and charged within one hour to 50%, 2 hours to 80% and 4 hours 100%.
Finally, the van features a retractable heli-drone pad from which the latest-generation parcel carrying drone from Uvatek can be launched, carrying high-value loads up to 2kg in weight.
Grahame Neagus added: “Optimodale delivers an innovative ‘last-mile’ solution and is a clear illustration of the breadth and depth of our thinking, providing Renault Trucks logistics customers with a sustainable solution from 2kg all the way up to 44-tonne.”
