Renault Trucks, Jumbo, and SVZ test electric prototype ‘Oxygen’ dedicated to urban logistics

Renault Trucks continues its research and development work with its laboratory truck, Oxygen. After an initial test phase still ongoing in Lyon and Paris, the manufacturer is entering a new stage with a second version of this electric truck dedicated to urban logistics. Thus, a version equipped with a refrigerated box, designed in partnership with supermarket chain Jumbo, SVZ, and the support of Renault Trucks Dutch subsidiary will start testing in October 2024 in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam, a benchmark city for soft mobility, is the ideal location for the Oxygen project. After Paris and Lyon, Renault Trucks is starting a new test phase for its urban electric vehicle in the Dutch capital. For this new stage, beginning in October 2024, Renault Trucks has partnered with Jumbo and SVZ.

Jumbo, the second largest retailer in the Netherlands, has over 700 points of sale in the Netherlands and Belgium. One of the company’s priorities is to offer its customers a pleasant local shopping experience. Transport partner SVZ ensures the supply of fresh products to Jumbo's outlets in the Netherlands. 

The manufacturer and its partners, mindful of limiting their environmental impact, have combined their expertise to translate the needs of urban logistics and develop a new 26-ton experimental urban electric truck capable of operating in Dutch zero-emission zones. From the 1st of January 2025, Dutch municipalities may designate zero-emission zones, in which you can only enter with a zero-emission vehicle, in order to reduce CO2 in urban areas. Unlike the first experiment carried out with Geodis for dry distribution, it will enable refrigerated deliveries to be made silently, without polluting emissions and in complete safety for other road users, from warehouse to Jumbo supermarket in the heart of Amsterdam during the 6-month experimentation period.

"The successful partnership with Jumbo and SVZ on this innovative project highlights the power of collaboration in achieving sustainability goals” explains Jerome Berthelet, Managing Director at Renault Trucks in The Netherlands. “We were aligned on the same desire to create a low-carbon urban solution. Carrying out the pilot project in Amsterdam, a pioneering city in terms of environmental management, adds considerable value to our mission."

Wilko Maas, Fleet Manager at Jumbo Supermarkets continues: "At Jumbo, we are committed to preserving nature and reducing our environmental impact. We aim to be CO2 neutral by 2030. Supplying stores and deliver groceries is our daily job. We are continuously working to minimize energy consumption and reduce our carbon footprint. That's why we are very excited to be closely involved in the development of an electric truck for the last mile delivery in city centers. We expect more cities like Amsterdam to assign zero-emission zones towards 2025. Last mile delivery will be essential to continue supplying our stores as clean and safe as possible. The Oxygen pilot will give us the needed experience and to be ready for the future. ".

Erwin Keizer, Financial Director at SVZ, specialist in urban transport solutions, is delighted with this move: "At SVZ, we are committed to helping our customers move forward. With the Oxygen truck, we are taking a step towards the future of zero-emission transport by creating a safer way of delivering goods".

The prototype truck was built at the Renault Trucks factory in Blainville-sur-Orne, the first European plant to manufacture electric trucks in series since 2020.

A vehicle adapted to the constraints and uses of urban delivery.

Oxygen was developed by Renault Trucks and 17 partners. It is a vehicle specifically designed for the city, combining safety, comfort, and modernity:

• For increased visibility and safety, Oxygen features a low entry cab and a large windshield that provide the driver with excellent direct visibility at the height of road users. Multiple cameras replace mirrors for a 360° view, with significant improvements in rear visibility and allows the detection of pedestrians and vulnerable users in blind spots.
• To improve driver comfort and safety, a sliding door has been installed on the passenger side, avoiding the risks associated with opening a traditional door. The driver can enter and exit the vehicle from either the right or left side. In addition, entering and exiting the cab is made easier due to the low access height.
• For perfect conservation of transported goods, the vehicle is equipped with an isothermal body with directed temperature, suitable for transporting 25 supermarket trolleys.
• Finally, for perfect integration into the urban landscape and with a focus on driver comfort and enhancement, the exterior lines of the truck and the interior of the cab have been completely redesigned.

Vehicle Technical Specifications

• GVW: 26 tons 
• Chassis: 6x2
• Dimensions: 10 m (l) x 2.6 m (w) x 3.8 m (h)
• Wheelbase: 4600 mm
• Body: Fridge unit integrated on chassis, suitable for supermarket trolleys
• Battery capacity: 3 x 94 kWh, totaling 282 kWh.
• Range: 150 km, adapted to SVZ’s daily deliveries for Jumbo in Amsterdam