ELECTRIC refuse vehicles are set to start work in Exeter, providing local residents with cleaner air and reduced noise.
Starting from July 1st the vehicles of electric refuse collection vehicles (RCVs) will help the city achieve its target of being carbon neutral by 2030 by producing zero emissions.
Comprised of three Dennis Eagle eCollect 27t electric RCVs, the vehicles will be powered by the Water Lane Solar Park on its completion this year.
The arrival of the electric RCVs is thanks to the partnership of Exeter City Council and Specialist Fleet Services (SFS).
A Northampton-based fleet management company and part of the Paragon Banking Group, SFS are the first UK contract hire company to install eCollect RCVs.
Dave Newcombe, Managing Director of Commercial Lending, Paragon said:
“As a supporter of the government’s ambition to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, I’m delighted that Paragon and SFS are able to support Exeter City Council’s goals to decarbonise their refuse fleet.”
Bob Sweetland, Managing Director, SFS said:
“The decarbonisation of Exeter’s RCVs is an important step in the rollout of commercial electric vehicles and SFS are proud to be the first contract hire company to install a of eCollects RCVs in the UK.
“We are confident that the benefits of the new fleet will be appreciated by both crews and residents, and provides an excellent real-world example to other local authorities of what is now possible and how it can be achieved.”
Richard Taylor, Sales and Marketing Director, Dennis Eagle:
“Congratulations to Specialist Fleet Services for being the first company to provide an eCollect fleet on contract hire. Exeter crews have already had the opportunity to trial the vehicle and the feedback was very positive, and we are delighted to see the vehicles going into service.
“We look forward to working with SFS in the future to help more councils across the UK improve air quality with our eCollect and have a bigger impact on climate change.”
Cllr David Harvey, Exeter City Council’s Lead Councillor for City Management, said:
“The introduction of three brand new electric refuse collection vehicles into our fleet is fantastic news for Exeter and its residents. The vehicles are clean and quiet and are a vital step on our journey towards a carbon neutral City. When it is complete the new solar array at Water Lane will supply power to the vehicles further reducing the carbon impact.”
SFS was established nearly 30 years ago and has a successful track record in delivering fleet and workshop management solutions to local authorities across the UK. The company runs a network of workshops across the UK as well as operating its own specialist vehicle hire division, CTS Hire.
The eCollect is an emissions-free alternative to conventional RCVs. The all-electric RCV not only plays a vital role in improving air quality and fighting climate change but is also highly efficient and cost-effective. It features cutting-edge chassis, body, bin lift and telematics technology. Each component is manufactured by the OEM – Dennis Eagle – and designed to work together for maximum efficiency as an all-electric RCV.
Photo: Dave Newcombe (Paragon’s Managing Director of Commercial Lending) in front of a Dennis Eagle eCollect 27t electric RCV at Paragon’s HQ
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