Minister launches UKs first electric refuse vehicle

The vehicle was built by American-owned firm Geesink Norba at its South Wales plant and uses electric power from a half tonne battery to operate the bin-lift system, as well as crush and compact material, without engine noise.

Conventional collection vehicles use diesel engines to power these operations, which can limit collection hours due to the disturbance caused by the noise involved. However, using the electronically-powered bin-lift is hoped to eradicate this problem.

Unveiling the technology, Ms Davidson, said: “Climate change is the greatest challenge facing Wales and the world. A key part of how we face up to this challenge will be the use of new technology, which will bring new economic opportunities for companies in Wales.”

“Geesink Norba is a great example of how we can make the most of these potential green jobs, with 140 people employed on site at Llantrisant making a world class product. This low emission truck, built here in Wales, shows how electric vehicles will play an important part in a low carbon future,” she added.

Geesink Norba told letsrecycle.com that there had been interest in the vehicle from waste management company Veolia Environmental Services and services provider Serco, and that it had already received a “quite large” order from Barcelona city council.

Chris Tecca, group managing director at Geesink Norba, said: “The launch of this vehicle in the UK marks a significant step forward in the waste collection and recycling industry. Not only is it more environmentally friendly than anything else on the market but it also offers real savings to operators.”

The company said that the cost of the vehicle was variable, as it could develop lifts and compactors to suit the size requirements of clients.

Environment

Development of the vehicle, which is already operational in Sweden, Spain, France and other parts of Europe, is part of the Welsh Assembly Government's drive to support green technologies.

Ms Davidson said: “Coal from Wales powered the industrial revolution of the 19th century that made the modern world. The Welsh Assembly Government now wants Wales to lead the way again with the new green technology revolution.”

Smaller electric-powered waste and refuse vehicles are also manufactured by Peterborough-based Bradshaw Electric Vehicles. Bradshaw is set to exhibit a range of vehicles used for waste collection at movement at Futureresource 2009 at the London ExCeL, which is being held between June 9 and 11.