Ipswich Borough Council is currently trialling three fully electric refuse collection vehicles as part of a six-month trial with Electra, supporting the Council’s pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.
The Electra Refuse Collection Vehicles (RCVs) provided by NRG Riverside are being trialled by the Council at its newly built carbon neutral depot, Layard House which has achieved a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating for its environmental sustainability.
The modern operational hub has been designed to minimise energy and water consumption, generate its own power using solar panels and support the Council’s vehicle fleet in transitioning to electric and sustainable fuels.
With a range of 200 miles, and top speeds of 55 miles per hour, the RCV vehicles are now being trialled under typical working conditions for a period of six months, with two of the larger vehicles supporting the Council’s Garden Waste Collection Service, and the smaller vehicle being used for the collection of commercial food waste.
Councillor Phil Smart, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Transport, said:
“As part of the Council’s commitment to sustainability, we are excited to be trialling these new fully electric vehicles, with the aim of making our refuse collections greener, contributing to cleaner air in Ipswich.
“During the trial our crews will be testing their performance to help us understand the role that electric vehicles can play in delivering household refuse collections. What we learn during this period will help future decisions about how we power our refuse collection vehicles and will support the drive to both modernise our fleet and to be carbon neutral by 2030."
Amber Greenhalgh, Rental and Marketing Director said:
“We’re proud to support Ipswich Borough Council with the introduction and trial of fully electric refuse collection vehicles as part of their sustainability efforts. At NRG Riverside, we’re committed to providing innovative, cleaner solutions, and with the growing availability of our electric fleet, we’re excited to help the Council move closer to its carbon neutrality goals.”