Electric bin lorries could soon be used in the city after a trial was successful this month, bringing a breath of fresh air to the city.
The bin lorries are fully electric with zero emissions and are able to work a nine-hour shift after just six hours 45 minutes battery charge. The Council hopes to gradually replace the diesel fleet to help reduce air pollution in residential areas as well as meeting green targets for carbon reduction.
Councillor Patricia Hetherton, Cabinet Member for City Services said: “We were really excited to trial one of these new fully electric refuse vehicles this week. What a difference it will make to the environment and for health if we can switch to an electric bin fleet.
“Our bin crews cover thousands of miles each year so it’s great that a crew got to actually put this all electric version through its paces. It was out on a round for three full days and the crews seem to really like it. The company that manufactures the vehicles are based in Warwick, so we are also supporting a local industry as well as positively contributing to the environment and health of our residents.”
Steven Wightman, Waste Operations Manager, said: “It is important for crews that the electric vehicles can match the performance of our usual lorries, particularly in terms of payload, reliability and manoeuvrability. We are pleased to have had the opportunity to trial this new technology and look forward to the day when the electric fleet operates throughout the City”.
The vehicle was loaned by manufacturers, Dennis Eagle, for crews to test on their rounds. If the trial is considered successful, the new vehicles could progressively replace all refuse diesel vehicles in the fleet. All vehicles will use noise emitters and reversing warnings.
The Council have been successful in gaining a grant of £2.2 million from Highways England to provide electric vehicles for local organisations to trial in order to give them a real-life insight into the benefits of switching to electric vehicles. Over the next two years the Council will provide vehicles free of charge alongside offering advice and guidance for companies considering the change to an electric fleet.
Businesses can register for a free trial and find more information about the project on the Council’s website.