Refuse Vehicle Solutions (RVS) are delighted to announce that they have provided the first fully refurbished electric-conversion refuse collection vehicle in Wales. The vehicle, a 2015 Dennis Elite, with a Dennis Olympus body and a Terberg Omnidel bin lift, has been converted by RVS engineers to a fully electric, zero-emissions RCV.
Wrexham County Council will use the new vehicle as part of their fleet to collect domestic refuse across the county. Alongside improving air quality for residents living in Wrexham, it also demonstrates the council’s commitment to being an environmentally friendly organisation and will help reduce their carbon footprint.
Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said, “We are very pleased that this vehicle has come into operation and we hope it will be the first of many. We are committed to reducing our carbon emissions and to enable and encourage residents and businesses to join us to secure a cleaner and greener future for everyone.
“We are grateful to the Welsh Government for their support in obtaining this vehicle and we look forward to working with them in future to secure similar vehicles as part of our electric fleet of vehicles.”
Commenting on the vehicle delivery Lee Waters, Deputy Minister for Climate Change, with responsibility for Transport said:
“I am very pleased that we have been able to provide funding for this important project. Switching from fossil fuel-powered collection fleets to electric vehicles is a key step in decarbonising the recycling waste service. Innovative projects like that are a key part of our action to tackle the climate emergency.”
“It is very encouraging to support a forward-thinking local authority like Wrexham City Council with this innovative solution, delivered through lot 5 of TPPL’s carbon neutral HGV Framework. Electrifying refuse vehicles is a major step forward in delivering clean air around the city and meeting the wider challenges posed by climate change” said James Brennan – Director at The Procurement Partnership
The refurbished six-year-old RCV was given a new lease on life thanks to RVS detailed refurbishment process. Every nut and bolt has been assessed to make sure the vehicle is in the best condition to guarantee it will last longer with no loss in reliability.
“Recycling existing RCVs into electric vehicles is now a reality thanks to RVS & EMOSS combined technology and expertise. “
“Our company has been working diligently on the problem of what to do with end of life RCVs. Instead of scrapping them, we have delivered the best possible solution: refurbish and convert for use as electric vehicles,” says Spencer Law, Managing Director at RVS. “This will help councils all over the country achieve their ambitious net carbon-zero goal.”
Powered by lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, the vehicle can produce up to 280kw of power with no independent charging system needed and comes with a five-year/3,000 charging cycle battery warranty. RVS estimates an electric conversion will save up to £100,000 when compared to purchasing a new vehicle direct from a manufacturer.
