XPO Logistics, a leading provider of freight transportation services, has announced the addition of its first fully electric truck to its French fleet. The 16-tonne vehicle will be used to transport less-than-truckload (LTL) palletised freight from XPO’s LTL hub in Jonage to destinations in the Lyon area. XPO is the largest distributor of palletized LTL shipments in France.

The economically viable D Z.E. truck has a 185-kW engine and is manufactured in France by Renault Trucks, a longstanding supplier of XPO fleet. Its silent operation and 18-pallet loading capacity are well-suited to deliveries in congested areas. The truck operates with zero direct CO2 emissions and zero fine particle pollution.

Bruno Kloeckner, deputy managing director – France, XPO Logistics, said, “The transport industry is becoming increasingly aware of the need to develop low-carbon road freight options. This is an opportunity for us to lead by example as one of the largest transport networks in France. The Renault Trucks electric D Z.E. model is a practical alternative to diesel in city settings, and another step forward in our commitment to lower the environmental impact of our operations.”

XPO’s environmental legacy in France

XPO’s all-electric delivery option is the company’s latest investment in helping its customers to achieve greener supply chains. XPO has one of the most modern and safety-equipped transport fleets in Europe, managed by digital technology for end-to-end efficiency. Approximately 98% of the company’s European fleet complies with Euro V, EEV and Euro VI emission regulations, with over 90% Euro VI compliance.

In France, XPO’s commitment to sustainable road transport includes:

• Signatory of France’s CO2 Charter for 14 years as an active participant in the Objectif CO2 program of the French Ministry of the Environment and the French Environment and Energy Agency (ADEME).
• 2020 purchase of 80 IVECO S-Way 460 alternative-fuel tractors, which use liquified natural gas (LNG), for the company’s less-than-truckload fleet. XPO’s road fleet in France now includes 230 LNG vehicles.
• 2020 purchase of 500 vehicles from Renault Trucks, including semi-trailers and straight trucks, with diesel engines that comply with the Euro VI standard, the strictest European standard for emissions control. The vehicles replace older equipment in the company’s full truckload and less-than-truckload fleets in France, and feature the latest technologies for driver safety and comfort.
• Deployment of Goodyear Drive-Over-Reader technology in eight XPO transport hubs in France. The ground-mounted sensors, which measure tyre pressure, tread depth, axle load and vehicle weight, are designed to reduce fuel consumption and maintenance costs and proactively reduce tyre-related accidents.