Electric refuse trucks for urban enviornments

Bradshaw Electric Vehicles, a leading supplier of electric vehicles and waste management solutions, has launched their Refuse Collection Vehicle (RCV) range, which are specifically designed to address the challenges of urban waste collection.

Vehicles included in this include the Groupie G4, the long-wheelbase G4L and Bradshaw's pedestrian PFB1500, which are available in three body configurations: hopper only, hopper and bin lift, and hopper, bin lift, and compaction arm.

These RCVs are compact, agile, highly manoeuvrable, and suited to towns, high streets, and pedestrianised areas due to their compact dimensions that allow them to navigate through street barriers. Their electric powertrains make them silent and without pollution, making them an attractive alternative to traditional refuse collection methods.

The road-legal Goupil G4 is available with two lithium battery options, offering either a 62-mile or 101-mile range on a single charge.  The standard G4-RCV has a 2.0m3 hopper and a payload of up to 740kg and works with 120, 240, and 360-litre bins. The G4L Long-Wheelbase adds 500mm to its chassis, increases the volume to 3.5m3 and works with larger 660-litre bins. 

The pedestrian-controlled RCV handles 120, 240 and 360-litre bins and features a corrosion-resistant aluminium hopper. The ergonomic tiller head provides a comfortable and precise operation and can be driven easily with either hand. With five braking systems, automatic hill hold, and advanced safety features, it ensures safe operation on slopes. 

All three RCVs feature corrosion-resistant aluminium bodies with a 90° tipping angle for easy waste disposal into larger containers or larger RCVs for satellite operations, streamlining waste collection rounds and reducing overall time on the streets. 

The Groupie G4 RCV in particular could be leveraged for councils which, following new recycling regulations that came into force on 31st March 2025, must collect food waste separately from businesses and organisations across England.

Ramsy Labassi, marketing manager of Bradshaw Electric Vehicles, said: "As a company that is continually looking to innovate and respond to the evolving need of its customers, we have introduced this new RCV range to offer a more sustainable and efficient solution for urban waste collection.

"Urban zones are becoming increasingly difficult for traditional waste collection vehicles to navigate in due to rising congestion, restricted access zones, low-emission regulations, and the continued pedestrianisation of city centres and high streets. However, Bradshaw's new compact RCV range has been purpose-built to overcome these challenges, offering local authorities and waste contractors a practical and zero-emission alternative that can easily access tight spaces and operate safely in areas with high pedestrian footfall."