Councils take part in ‘e-fleet’ RCV pilot scheme

VEV said that refuse collection vehicles (RCVs) can emit “up to 600g CO2 per kilometre” when fully laden.

And in order to reach carbon reduction targets by 2030, the company said that HGVs – “the largest carbon emitters in councils’ or contractors’ vehicle fleets” – are a “priority candidates for electrification”.

Set to be deployed in a pilot scheme, RVS has refurbished and repowered two diesel RCVs into as-new electrically powered collection vehicles (eRCVs).

This process is said to result in a “lower manufacturing carbon footprint” compared to building a new EV from scratch, while also removing a diesel vehicle from the fleet.

Tracking performance

VEV has supplied and installed charging infrastructure for the eRCVs, and deployed its fleet management platform, VEV-IQ, to track performance during the pilot. VEV-IQ will monitor multiple parameters throughout the pilot programme, including the eRCVs’ operational routes, charging schedules, power usage and CO2 savings for the councils, as well as Serco.

The project builds on an initial electrification feasibility assessment conducted by VEV at Rushmoor. The pilot aims to demonstrate the significant emissions – and noise-reducing benefits – of eRCVs.

VEV CEO, Mike Nakrani, said: “Electrifying recycling and refuse collection gives local councils the opportunity to significantly reduce carbon emissions and noise pollution simultaneously, compared to a conventionally powered vehicle.

“We are pleased to work with RVS and Serco to deliver on the climate emergency targets of Basingstoke and Deane, and Hart and Rushmoor councils.

“We’re confident in proving the operational and business case for fleet electrification to reduce the carbon footprint of local council fleets, while delivering a cleaner, quieter environment for local residents.”

‘Risk-free’

Spencer Law, founder and CEO of RVS, said: “Our pilot scheme is an excellent, risk-free opportunity to explore eRCV adoption with ongoing support, and ultimately to advance on essential net-zero objectives.”

George Roach, regional director for Serco Environmental Services, said: “Serco are proud to be  partnering with VEV, RVS and Basingstoke and Deane, Hart and Rushmoor councils for this pilot, which sees preloved diesel vehicles taken off the road and upcycled into low emission electric vehicles, supporting both our and the local authorities’ net carbon zero targets.”