Global resource management company Veolia has partnered with Westminster City Council to trial two electric refuse collection vehicles in London, UK.
The two 26-tonne collection vehicles, which previously ran on diesel and were nearing the end of their life, have been upcycled with new electric engines to improve air quality and exceed the requirements of the Ultra Low Emissions Zone in central London.
The electric engine only releases power when the vehicle is active, rather than running continuously, meaning each vehicle is expected to run for a full shift with no emissions produced.
The two-year trial is part of Westminster City Council and Veolia’s long-term plan to improve air quality and increase the number of EVs in London.
If successful, the vehicles will make daily recycling and refuse collections cleaner and greener, and accelerate the transition to zero-emission heavy goods vehicles in central London.
Councillor Tim Mitchell, Westminster City Council’s deputy leader, said: “Tackling pollution in London is an ongoing battle, and this pilot is just one of the many ways we’re making our daily operations cleaner and greener.
“I am proud to see electric vehicle innovation like this out on the streets of Westminster, keeping our borough clean without sacrificing air quality.”
The project is backed by a grant from Innovate UK, which has allowed for an 18-month renovation process and two-year trial. The project has also converted an additional two RCVs that will be used in trials in Sheffield.
