Renault Trucks has launched an “industry-first” multi-modal last mile electric vehicle which combines a van, cargo bike and parcel-carrying drone for cleaner, greener, and more accessible urban deliveries.
The Renault Trucks E-Tech Master OptiModale includes a 3.5 tonne LWB L3H1 E-Tech Master van with Low Loader Luton body by Horton Commercials, a Bullitt electric Cargo bike by Larry vs Harry, and parcel-carrying drone from UVATEK.
The solution has been designed and commissioned by Renault Trucks to help reduce congestion and improve air quality in urban areas. The specially commissioned Low Loader Luton body acts as the “mothership” hosting both the cargo bike and drone helipad system. It has been designed to carry and deliver parcels of various sizes and is powered by Renault’s R75 electric motor and a 33kWh or 52kWh battery.
Grahame Neagus, Head of LCV at Renault Trucks UK and Ireland, said: “The OptiModale is a two-person operation, offering the flexibility of delivering larger parcels by van, whilst the second team member takes the eBullitt cargo bike for last mile deliveries where congestion is at its worst. Additionally, the drone provides rapid deployment for urgent situations, such as delivering vital drugs or supplies to challenging or inaccessible locations.”
Vehicle specification
The OptiModale has a typical range of around 80 miles (with the 33kWh battery) before charge, making it ideal for “back-to-base operations that are located on the edge of major conurbations where entering the inner town or city requires zero emission vehicles,” Renault noted.
The 4,100mm Low Loader Luton body is equipped for parcel delivery with folding shelving, with electric cargo bike store to the nearside complete with bike lift, and heli-drone pad system.
Meanwhile, the eBullitt electric cargo bike, capable of carrying up to 100kgs of smaller parcels, is finished in a Renault Trucks Red frame with corresponding white cargo box. It is equipped with the latest Shimano e-system that can provide up to 50km of power assist for the cyclist and once back on board the E-Tech Master OptiModale, the battery can be removed and charged within one hour to 50%, two hours to 80% and four hours 100%.
Above the e-cargo bike location is the retractable heli-drone pad from which the latest generation parcel carrying drone from UVATEK can be launched, carrying high value loads up to 2kgs in weight.
Consolidating delivery modes
Similar solutions have been developed for the logistics market in the past, including Workhorse’s Horsefly electric van and UAV, which was tested by UPS in 2017. Amazon also filed a patent for a similar solution in 2021. In the patent, Amazon described how a “primary vehicle” would be paired with “secondary vehicles,” such as drones or small ground-based vehicles to carry out final mile deliveries. The Amazon concept has yet to be revealed.
Renault’s OptiModale, however, is the first vehicle of its type – one that includes both a drone and cargo bike – to be revealed to the market.
According to Neagus, the OptiModale addresses the “pressing need to improve air quality and pollution in our cities while improving accessibility and productivity for operators.”
“By harnessing multiple modes of electric transport, this is an all-in-one sustainable solution that is set to transform the rapidly growing parcel market and can be replicated anywhere in the world,” he said.
“Optimodale delivers an innovative last mile solution and is a clear illustration of the breadth and depth of our thinking, providing Renault Trucks logistics customers with a sustainable solution from 2kg all the way up to 44 tonnes,” he concluded.
