The pilot was designed to demonstrate the benefits and capabilities of eRCVs, to reduce the county’s carbon footprint created by recycling and refuse collection.
Across 69 collection rounds, the two RVS-repowered eRCVs completed collections for thousands of residents, also reducing noise pollution, with carbon savings equivalent to the removal of two cars from the road for an entire year in this eight-week period.
The carbon footprint was said to be further reduced during the manufacturing process by using vehicles converted from diesel to electric.
The drivers of the eRCVs were also said to lose their scepticism about electric vehicles early on. One said: “I like how quiet it is, I can hear the crew working behind me much easier, it feels much safer.”
Under different scenarios blending the impacts of energy price, vehicle efficiency, mechanical optimisations, fuel price changes and maintenance strategies, TCO savings of between 4 and 14% compared to diesel RCVs, could be achieved in the short term. These models were generated by VEV’s bespoke management platform, VEV-IQ.
From increasing range by up to 20% with driver training, to managing energy consumption through smart charging schedules and vehicle performance monitoring, pilot data was utilised to showcase how an optimised eRCV operation can be a cost-effective solution for operators, without additional financial burden on the local population.
Following the pilot, VEV has delivered a TCO-optimised, three-phase plan for Serco to roll out eRCV operations across multiple sites in the UK, starting with the two Hampshire depots.
The plan encompasses a grid upgrade, solar power installation, optimisation stream and the VEV-IQ analytics platform. VEV-IQ will facilitate smart charging and operations optimisation based on monitoring and trialling operational changes. Assessing the electrification readiness of Serco’s fleets in the two Hampshire councils, VEV identified that multiple vehicles are prepared for a cost-effective switch now, with a second wave to follow.
‘Significant step’
VEV CEO, Mike Nakrani, said: “A critical objective for VEV, Serco and RVS in this project, was to prove that electric recycling and refuse collection can be a significant step in reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality, in a way that makes commercial sense for fleet operators and local councils.
“By saving nearly nine tonnes of emissions in just eight weeks and proving that eRCV costs can meet or even improve on their diesel counterparts, this real-life project has delivered a ringing endorsement for electrifying all kinds of commercial fleets.”
Spencer Law, founder and CEO of Refuse Vehicle Solutions, said: “Repowering refuse collection vehicles enables fleet operators like Serco to reap a swathe of environmental and efficiency benefits. The converted eRCVs we delivered consistently completed their routes with enough battery charge on return to the depot to cater for unplanned, extra rounds.
“The drivers adapted well to the vehicles after the initial coaching, and reported stronger vehicle performance than their diesel equivalents, with many preferring the comfort and quietness of the electric operation. We’re delighted with the performance of the eRCVs that this pioneering project has helped us put in the spotlight.”
‘Played a critical role’
George Roach, performance and compliance director for Serco Environmental Services said: “Establishing the business-case for electrifying Serco’s recycling and refuse collection fleet was key for us throughout this pilot scheme. We’re maximising the huge success of the project and continuing to run the electric RCVs on their routes in both Hampshire councils.
“The operational efficiency gains that VEV and RVS have helped us achieve, have played a critical role in proving the business-case for electrifying even more of our collection contracts across the UK, allowing us to deliver cleaner air and quieter streets for local communities.”
Subscribe for free