Westminster City Council has saved two old refuse trucks from the scrap heap by re-engineering them to run on electric power.
In partnership with global resource management company, Veolia, the two 26-tonne refuse collection vehicles, which had reached their end of life, have been upcycled with electric engines and will operate on London streets in a two-year trial.
The aim is to improve air quality, make collections quieter, and also comply and work within central London’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone.
“This project highlights Veolia’s ongoing investment in clean air solutions in London and across the UK. By converting existing vehicles and trialing alternative fleet solutions with forward thinking local authority partners like Westminster City Council, we are not only preserving resources but are lowering emissions and creating greener cities,” said Gavin Graveson, executive vice president for Veolia UK and Ireland.
The project is backed by a grant from the Innovation Funding Service (Innovate UK) which has allowed for the 18 month renovation process as well the upcoming two year trial. The project has also converted an additional two RCVs that will be used in trials in Sheffield.
