Maritime Transport adds five electric trucks to its fleet
The 42-tonne electric trucks will initially operate from Maritime’s Wakefield and Avonmouth facilities, with plans to deploy them across the company’s wider network as its zero-emission operations develop. In Wakefield, the E-Tech T models will be used for first- and last-mile container transport, serving the company’s inland rail terminal. Containers will arrive by rail from deep-sea ports before being transferred to the electric trucks for final delivery. Charging will take place primarily overnight at the trucks' inland bases.
The 42-tonne (4x2) E-Tech T models offer a range of up to 300 km on a single charge, powered by a system comprising three electric motors and six 90 kWh batteries. These trucks deliver a continuous power output of up to 490 kW and 2,400 Nm of torque. Power is transmitted via a 12-speed Optidriver AT 2412 automated gearbox, developed by Renault Trucks.
Maritime has stated that it is intentionally incorporating electric trucks from various manufacturers to compare their performance in daily operations before making decisions regarding fleet expansion. However, the company noted that initial experience with the Renault trucks has been positive, particularly in terms of reliability and driver acceptance. In the long term, Maritime will evaluate factors such as uptime, maintenance, battery degradation, vehicle lifespan, and residual values. To this end, the company has implemented Renault’s Optifleet system to monitor variables including vehicle efficiency, driver behavior, and location.
Chris Buck, head of the electric vehicle network at Maritime Transport, explained: "The new Renault Trucks E-Tech T vehicles have been put straight into service within our operations." If electric heavy-duty vehicles are to become a viable alternative to diesel, it is essential to subject them to intensive use and gain a precise understanding of where and how they perform best.
"Currently, we are using these Renault Trucks for first- and last-mile journeys from our rail terminals, where we have a deep understanding of the routes, payloads, and charging options. As we gain experience and expand our charging network, we will continue to explore how we can increase their utilization across our entire operation."
As announced in March 2026, the company has begun deploying 19 electric trucks at its facilities in Wakefield and Birmingham. Furthermore, it has stated that it plans to expand its electric truck fleet to 56 vehicles—distributed across 12 warehouses and rail terminals—by the end of the year. The integration of the new E-Tech T models suggests that the logistics company has successfully met its objective.
