Renault Trucks Gains Approval for France’s First Electric Retrofitted Truck

Renault Trucks has become the first manufacturer in France to receive road approval for an electric retrofitted truck. The vehicle--a converted 12-tonne Renault Trucks D--has been transformed from diesel to battery-electric and is now operational for logistics work around Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. This pilot project was carried out in partnership with Clovis Grand Paris, Renault Trucks' leasing arm, and Extime, which manages duty-free operations at Paris airports.

The truck will be used for regular shuttle runs between warehouses and the airport, with a range of 250 kilometres per charge. The retrofit project was completed with technical collaboration from Novumtech and financial support from France's Ademe agency.

Two-year approval process

The homologation process took two years and involved both technical and regulatory scrutiny. After the diesel engine was replaced with a battery-electric powertrain, the truck underwent rigorous testing at UTAC in Paris.

These tests checked for electromagnetic compatibility (R100 standard) and braking system conformity. Once approved technically, the vehicle then had to pass an administrative review by the regional DREAL office in Auvergne Rhone-Alpes. The official homologation came through on 21 November 2024--making this the first retrofitted electric truck legally approved for road use in France.

"This pilot project exemplifies our dedication to preserving natural resources while minimising the environmental impact of vehicle usage," said Laurent Colpier, Vice President of Used Trucks and Urban Logistics at Renault Trucks.

Towards wider adoption?

Renault Trucks is using this first retrofit as a learning model. By studying the real-world performance of the converted truck in daily operation, the company hopes to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and performance of electric retrofitting on a broader scale. The project offers potential cost savings, too.

Early estimates suggest that converting an existing truck could be up to 15% cheaper than buying a new electric HGV. The trial reflects Renault Trucks' ongoing commitment to the circular economy. If successful, it could pave the way for more widespread conversions of existing diesel fleets to electric power--particularly in urban logistics and airport environments.

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