Renault Trucks E-Tech T Diamond Echo: Pushing the Boundaries of Electric Mobility

In 2024, as Renault Trucks celebrates its 130th anniversary, the French manufacturer achieves a groundbreaking double world first with the 100% electric Renault Trucks E-Tech T Diamond Echo: the first electric truck to embark on a European tour and the first truck with an electroluminescent design. This ambitious roadshow, spanning seven countries, not only highlights the operational reality of electric mobility but also demonstrates the outstanding performance of the Renault Trucks E-Tech T in challenging weather conditions. This winter, the now-iconic Diamond Echo took on a new mission, heading to Lapland.
 

Over 23,000 km Traveled: Proving Reliability

With over 23,000 km covered, the Renault Trucks E-Tech T Diamond Echo has proven its reliability. On certain stages, it covered up to 700 km in a single day, thanks to optimized charging management. Its maximum range on a single charge was 360 km, achieved during a leg between Switzerland and Germany.
 

A Truck with Spectacular Design 

In 2024, the Renault Trucks E-Tech T Diamond Echo achieved a double world first. Not only is it the first 100% electric truck to undertake a European tour, but it’s also the first truck with an electroluminescent design. It embarked on a journey of 60 stops across seven countries, connecting with the transport community.

Designed for regional distribution of food, beverages, commerce, and logistics, this Renault Trucks E-Tech T features electroluminescent paint using Lumilor technology. The bodywork lights up in the dark when subjected to an electrical stimulus.

Pushing the Limits of Electromobility: The Diamond Echo Heads to the Arctic Circle

After completing its first European tour in spring-summer 2024, the Renault Trucks E-Tech T Diamond Echo hit the road again in November for an extraordinary journey. Destination: Lapland, where it braved freezing temperatures to deliver letters from the children of Renault Trucks employees to Santa Claus’s home.
 

This journey, marked by temperatures dropping as low as -20°C, demonstrated the reliability of electric trucks, even in extreme winter conditions. On one leg, the truck traveled 700 km in a single day with just two intermediate charges, proving that range is no longer an obstacle for inter-regional electric mobility, thanks in part to Finland’s robust public charging network.
 

An electric truck praised by Those Who Tried It

During the two phases of the roadshow, the Diamond Echo brought together a community of nearly 400,000 truck drivers and transport professionals at events like the 24 Hours Trucks in France, TruckFest in the UK, and Nürburgring in Germany.

Those who had the chance to test it were won over by its comfort and smooth handling. Adrien Bess, Operations Director at Transports Francis Bress & Cie, was impressed from the first kilometers of his test drive in the Rhône Valley. "The smoothness and comfort of this 100% electric truck are outstanding. With its silent motor and the absence of gear-shift jerks, every journey becomes a soothing experience." Convinced by its handling and range, Adrien envisions soon handing the keys to one of his drivers. 

The smooth handling and impressive acceleration of the electric truck were also highlighted by Alain Bernard, head of Transports Bernard. The Renault Trucks E-Tech T delivers unmatched power, equivalent to 660 hp, making every trip both efficient and enjoyable. Meanwhile, Jérôme Crouzet, Fleet Manager, was amazed by the impressive energy recovery capabilities of the truck during a 70 km journey between Loriol and Grenoble. Thanks to the electric retarder, the truck arrived at its destination with 264 km remaining out of its initial 292 km range.

Leading the Way in Electric Technology for Over 15 Years

Nearly 15 years ago, Renault Trucks paved the way for electric technology, launching its first battery-equipped vehicles. Through its 23,000 km journey, the French truck manufacturer proves that electromobility can go further—both literally and figuratively—paving the way for a sustainable future in transport.