Conserving fuel and saving money wherever possible is clearly at the top of every fleet manager and owner driver’s agenda recently.  The current climate of fluctuating rates for petrol, diesel or even LPG are enough to make anybody sit up and take notice.

Suffolk based aerodynamic experts Hatcher, have numerous fuel-saving devices which fit most LGV and HGV vehicles, in some cases achieving savings of up to 5% – 7%.  Saving fuel is one thing, but fossil fuel driven vehicles are not going to be around forever and Hatcher have been thinking ahead.

The transportation industry is looking to manufacturers for their latest offerings of vehicles incorporating electric drivetrains.  Renault Trucks, in particular, have proudly released their 1000^th E-tech D truck, out of a range of 16, 19 & 26 tonne vehicles, from their plant in Blainville-Sur-Orne, France.

Battery driven vehicles present their own set of obstacles, but the main sticking point that manufacturers have to overcome is Range.  Range can be affected by many things, but mostly; the capacity of the battery installed, weather, ambient temperature, loading, accessories such as refrigeration and road conditions.  So, in terms of saving money on running the vehicle, options are fairly restricted.   There are, however, savings to be made by effectively extending the achievable range and Hatcher have been working closely with Renault Trucks UK to overcome this obstacle.

Renault Trucks have previously teamed up with Hatcher to develop a range of aerodynamic devices for their range of LGV & HGV diesel trucks, but have most recently worked on their E-tech D Wide Body fully electric truck. 

Andrew Scott, Head of Electric Mobility and Product Development, Renault Trucks UK said, “As we see more customers selecting Renault Trucks E-Tech electric vehicles, we’re keen to do everything we can to optimise the aerodynamics and performance of each. We’re delighted that Hatcher have produced a range of body components which enhance the aerodynamics of our electric (and diesel) ranges to complement the different customer wheelbase and body specifications.  Hatcher have a reputation for design and engineering and we are confident that these components will serve our customers well.”

Craig Poacher, Sales Manager for Hatcher is pleased with the air kit produced and has commented “I had the pleasure of doing a road test in the new E-Tech D and I have to say the ride is so smooth and most notably quiet.  On initial inspection the most obvious difference with an electric truck is that there is no air intake, which in itself reduces the overall drag.  Hatcher had to ensure that we were achieving the best aerodynamic properties possible on the new cab, to ensure maximum return on the range.  Although we currently scheduling official testing, I am confident that we can achieve upwards of an extra 20 miles on the range.”