Salford City Council adopts first electric refuse truck

Salford City Council has acquired its first all-electric refuse collection vehicle (RCV), a 27-tonne Mercedes-Benz eEconic.

The eEconic combines zero emissions with a high payload capacity similar to the diesel Econic and a range of at least 93 miles in refuse operations, suitable for its stop-start urban refuse collection. 

The eEconic was selected after an extensive evaluation programme when it completed daily rounds on a single charge and returned to the depot with 40–60% spare battery capacity.

At 27 tonnes when fully loaded – only one tonne more than the typical 26-tonne diesel equivalent – the eEconic handles the intensive demands of refuse collection with ease, collecting over 1,200 bins per day as part of the council’s 36-truck fleet.

Alan Fitzsimons, Transport Manager at Salford City Council, said: “The Mercedes-Benz eEconic is leaps and bounds above the rest. During our demonstration period, it completed every route with battery range to spare, while competitors struggled to finish on a single charge. It is 100% electric, and the range and regenerative braking are excellent. It has surpassed all our expectations and we’re proud to lead the way in sustainable waste collection for Salford residents.”

“For cost reasons, we previously bought cheaper trucks, but experience has shown that quality and reliability matter. We have been gradually returning our fleet to Mercedes-Benz, adding around one new vehicle per year to serve Salford’s growing population,” he added.

Drivers have responded positively to the eEconic’s performance and comfort. Anthony Kearns, HGV driver and trainer at Salford City Council, said: “My biggest worry was whether it would complete the route, but on my longest day, when I travel 60 miles and take three loads totalling 30 tonnes, it still has 36% battery left after seven hours. It’s second to none compared to other vehicles we’ve tried, plus other drivers keep telling me, ‘no wonder you like driving this – it’s like a Rolls Royce of bin trucks.’”