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Norbert Dentressangle’s first hybrid trucks

Norbert Dentressangle’s first hybrid trucks delivered by Renault Trucks will soon hit the roads

Committed to finding more sustainable delivery solutions, Norbert Dentressangle’s first hybrid trucks, 19 ton Renault Premium Distributions, have taken to the roads of Paris and Lyon in France.

With alternative energies expected to play an increasingly important role in the transport sector to meet growing concerns about environmental impact of the supply chain, Norbert Dentressangle is evaluating the operational effectiveness of the hybrid trucks. Later this year the company will also conduct trials in London to compare performance with diesel models by running a similar 6x2 rear steer vehicle.

The hybrid vehicles combine a diesel engine with an electric motor that delivers a significant reduction in fuel consumption of around 20% and are quieter than their normal counterparts. The electric motor drives fuel efficiency by powering the vehicle from 0 to 12 mph before the conventional bio-diesel engine seamlessly takes over.

With 310ps on tap, automatic idle cut out and quick restart, the vehicles are particularly suited to distribution in urban areas. In Paris, Norbert Dentressangle will use the trucks to make deliveries for the Carrefour group, which is also dedicated to reducing the effect of its supply chain on the environment.

Alongside delivery of the hybrid vehicles, Norbert Dentressangle is about to embark on a new phase of tests for alternative technologies to fully diesel-powered engines.

NORBERT DENTRESSANGLE’S FIRST HYBRID TRUCKS TAKE TO THE ROADS

As a major fleet operator, Norbert Dentressangle has a long-term commitment to the reducing the impact of trucks on the environmental, as CEO François Bertreau, explained: “We have worked closely with Renault for over 30-years as both our companies aim to consistently improve the service we can offer customers. The new Renault hybrid truck further is proof of Norbert Dentressangle’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gases.

“Since 2003, and our ongoing partnership with ADEME, the French Environment and Energy Management Agency, we have adopted an ambitious environmental approach that has already enabled us to achieve substantial progress. With 85% of our fleet at the Euro IV and Euro V regulations, we now operate the cleanest and most modern fleet of Europe for our clients, for whom the reduction of the carbon footprint has also become an important goal.”