The UK’s first 100 per cent electric skip transporter trucks are now in use at a recycling park in Preston.
The two 19-tonne E-Tech DZE trucks were designed and developed in collaboration with Renault Trucks and mark the start of Recycling Lives’ journey in decarbonising the company’s entire fleet. The all-electric vehicles will be used in daily operations, servicing commercial and household clients.
The Renault Trucks E-Tech DZE have capacity to complete a full day’s work on a single charge with zero tailpipe emissions and low traffic noise. These features mean that the trucks are well suited to cities with Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ), and their low sound output makes them ideal for use in urban areas where noise pollution is a problem.
Powered by a 265kWh battery, each truck is equipped with a 22kW on board AC charger and is compatible with DC fast charging up to 150kW. The vehicle comes with Renault Trucks’ Battery Performance Promise which guarantees battery operation for up to seven years.
“As part of our decarbonisation strategy, we are looking to further reduce our carbon footprint by using more sustainable fuel solutions, including for example, green hydrogen which is part of our Energy from Waste project,” said Gerry Marshall, CEO of Recycling Lives who explains the journey his company has undertaken in migrating to an EV fleet.
“There are a couple of key considerations when making the transition to electric skip transporters. The first was to make sure that our decisions underpin our sustainability pledge. Working in the recycling sector, it goes without saying that reducing environmental damage is embedded into our business model – so the move to electric skip transporter was the obvious step. The transition was the first step in our decarbonisation strategy, by using more sustainable fuel solutions in our move towards zero-carbon transport. Eventually, the aim is to decarbonise our entire fleet.
“The second was the importance of finding electric vehicles that not only reduced our carbon footprint but were also up to the task of their diesel counterparts. The new trucks have the battery capacity to complete a full day’s work on a single charge with zero tailpipe emissions and low traffic noise. These features mean that the trucks are well suited to cities with Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ), and their low sound output makes them ideal for use in urban areas where noise pollution is a problem.
“The first two trucks are on the road now – however this isn’t something you can just go out and buy. Our electric skips transporters are the first of their kind in the UK, and to make this happen, we worked with Renault Trucks UK to custom design and deliver the right vehicle for our needs. We were also able to work with the same company that make the bodywork for our other skip vehicles, which was a huge benefit because it means that despite the transporters being new, our team was already familiar with how they work.
“There are a lot of things to consider when investing in new technology – especially when it comes at no small expense. Companies need to consider the lifespans, maintenance, charging (in this case) and the upgradeability of their purchase. As battery technology advances, it’s likely that we’d be able to reduce the numbers of cells whilst retaining the same capacity. This will reduce the weight and therefore enable us to transport heavier loads.”
