Silverstone-based Lunaz announced this morning (7 June) that following a tender process, it has now committed to the “first phase” of upcycling and electrification of a municipal refuse fleet.
A 26-tonne refuse collection vehicle (RCV) will be converted from its existing diesel power to electric, with delivery to be made in the autumn. The work is being funded with a grant from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. This will be operational and part of Buckinghamshire’s fleet in 2024.
‘Big milestone’
Gareth Williams, Buckinghamshire council’s cabinet member for climate change and environment, said: “This is a very exciting moment for Buckinghamshire council and a big milestone in our journey to cutting our carbon emissions and meeting our climate change strategy ambitions.”
He continued: “It marks the first step in our desire to run a more sustainable fleet of vehicles by using a renewable energy source and has multiple additional benefits including improving air quality and saving money both in terms of cheaper everyday running costs, and the retention of more than 80% of the embedded carbon versus scrapping an existing vehicle and replacing with new.
“In this regard, our partnership with Lunaz represents the best possible outcome for both the planet and the taxpayer. It also reflects our commitment as a council, to supporting local business and employment in the area.”
The deal follows a seven-year agreement struck with Biffa in April (see letsrecycle.com story).
I’m delighted to be an investor in this fast growing and exciting British company
- David Beckham, former footballer
Lunaz
Lunaz recently opened a depot in Silverstone where it can convert diesel RCVs into electric, with all of the modern features associated with this, too. It has a capacity to upcycle 1,110 vehicle per year, with a “significant proportion” of this to Biffa.
Lunaz says all of its vehicles are completely stripped down and all components inspected, up-cycled and replaced as required. This includes the removal of the current diesel engine and replacing it with a fully electric drivetrain. The cab, driver functions and bin-lift equipment will also be fully refurbished and upgraded to latest technological and safety standards.
The company is backed by some heavy hitters, with Ian Wakelin on the board and former footballer David Beckham an investor.
Mr Beckham said: “This is a strong endorsement of Lunaz’ innovative approach to finding sustainable solutions and I’m delighted to be an investor in this fast growing and exciting British company.”
Councils
Lunaz explained that for UK councils, the procurement of these vehicles represents a “dramatic saving” for the taxpayer. It estimated that £1 million in public money is saved for every 20 vehicles upcycled and electrified versus buying new EV equivalents.
The company added: “Every up-cycled electric vehicle produced by Lunaz saves 82% of the embedded carbon within that vehicle. For context, at full capacity, Lunaz’ factory in Silverstone, UK, will save the equivalent weight of the Eiffel Tower every year in embedded carbon by upcycling rather than scrapping existing fleet vehicles.”
Lunaz UEV refuse trucks have been developed following “live operator feedback”, the company added, “with Lunaz engineers frequently taking part in refuse truck rounds to ensure an intimate understanding of front-line requirements”.
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