Maritime Transport has deployed five Renault Trucks E-Tech T 4×2 tractor units on container haulage through the eFREIGHT 2030 programme.
The vehicles form part of Maritime’s 56-strong electric HGV fleet. Initial deployments include Wakefield and Avonmouth, with the trucks set to move around its network as operations develop.
Maritime ZERO manages the vehicles alongside charging infrastructure, software and data. The company established the division in 2025 and ultimately plans to integrate its activity into everyday operations.
At Wakefield, the electric tractors handle first and final mile container movements from Maritime’s inland rail terminal. Containers arrive by rail from deep-sea ports before the trucks complete onward deliveries, including work for a major UK retailer.
That arrangement puts the longer transport leg onto rail, leaving the electric trucks to cover road routes from inland terminals.
Electric tractors put straight to work
Each 42-tonne Renault Trucks E-Tech T carries six 90kWh batteries, giving a combined capacity of 540kWh.
Three electric motors deliver up to 490kW of continuous power and maximum torque of 2,400Nm. Renault Trucks’ Optidriver AT 2412 12-speed automated gearbox transmits the power.
The quoted range is up to 300km on a single charge.
Chris Buck, EV network manager at Maritime Transport, said: “These new Renault Trucks E-Tech Ts have been put straight to work in our operation.
“If electric HGVs are going to become a viable alternative to diesel, we need to work them hard and understand exactly where and how they perform best.”
He added: “We’re currently using the Renault Trucks on first and final mile work from our rail terminals, where we know the routes, payloads and charging opportunities well.”
Maritime expects the trucks to charge predominantly overnight at their inland bases. It will also assess daytime charging opportunities when electricity prices make that worthwhile.
As mileage and utilisation increase, the vehicles will draw on charging facilities elsewhere across Maritime’s national network.
Comparing manufacturers in everyday operation
Maritime began introducing electric HGVs in January 2026. It deliberately selected trucks from several manufacturers to compare their performance before making longer-term purchasing decisions.
Tom Williams, deputy CEO at Maritime Transport, said: “Electric HGV technology is still developing and we don’t yet know which trucks will prove the best fit for every part of our operation.
“We wanted to cast the net wide and understand what is available from a range of manufacturers.”
The five tractors represent Maritime’s first direct purchase from Renault Trucks. Vehicles from the manufacturer have previously joined its fleet through business acquisitions.
Early experience with the Renault Trucks E-Tech T has been positive, particularly for reliability and driver acceptance. However, Maritime remains at an early stage of its evaluation.
Chris said: “Reliability has been very good so far, which is one of our most important KPIs.
“The truck has to perform on a par with, or better than, its diesel counterpart and remain available for work.”
He also reported that drivers had taken to the vehicles well after some initial caution about unfamiliar technology.
Data will shape future fleet decisions
Maritime uses Renault Trucks’ Optifleet connected fleet management system to monitor efficiency, driver behaviour and vehicle location.
The data supplements feedback from daily operations, helping the business understand how the trucks perform in different applications.
Longer-term assessments will cover uptime, maintenance, battery degradation, vehicle longevity and residual values.
Tom said: “Electric trucks represent a significant capital investment, so whole-life performance really matters.
“We need to understand how well the vehicles stand up over time, and those findings will be important when we come to assess the next phase of our fleet.”
Renault Truck Commercials handles maintenance, with both the dealer group and Renault Trucks supporting the deployment. Renault Truck Commercials operates 14 sites across England and Wales.
Renault Trucks e-mobility transition manager Jack Millington has supported vehicle familiarisation, charging and technical matters.
Matt Sadler, sales director for the Eastern Region at Renault Truck Commercials, said: “Our focus is on supporting Maritime throughout the evaluation and helping the business get the best from the vehicles as its experience of electric HGVs grows.”
Maritime provides integrated road and rail freight services, alongside container storage, terminal operations and freight management.
Its Renault Trucks E-Tech T deployment will continue throughout the five-year trial, contributing performance data to the wider demonstrator programme.
eFREIGHT 2030 forms part of the Government’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme. The Department for Transport funds the programme
