Renault Trucks has begun converting old long-haul trucks with semi-trailer fifth wheels into electric terminal tractors at its Neotrucks plant. Moreover, you don’t need a driver’s license to work on them.
The recycled machines are automatically transferred to process transport, which can only be used within the port or railway terminals, distribution center, or enterprise. The tractor’s speed does not exceed 25 km/h, which makes it possible to drive it even without a driver’s license.
In the new version, the mainline machines are free of the diesel engine and its associated units. It no longer has a gearbox, no radiator, and no other attributes inherent in cars with an internal combustion engine. The manufacturer replaced the massive diesel power units with electric motors. Instead of fuel tanks, rechargeable batteries are installed.
The cabin itself has also undergone changes. The sleeping bags in the back of the cabin were dismantled. They have now made an entrance to the cabin. The driver’s and passenger’s seats have also been redesigned to rotate.
For terminals and large enterprises, the purchase of such a tractor for working in the yard is beneficial. Firstly, a used truck converted into an electric version is cheaper than a new electric terminal tractor, but it works like a new one.
The Neotrucks plant says there is no shortage of orders for such vehicles. The first 25 units have already been delivered to specialized companies, and the order book already includes ready-made contracts for 40 trucks of this type. Many more orders are still being processed.
The owners of French terminals were among the first to realize the economic benefits and human resources incentive: the solution of converting old mainline trucks into productive, environmentally friendly terminal tractors will help compensate for the shortage of qualified drivers in French terminals.
