The City of London Corporation and Veolia have launched the first Electric Refuse Collection Vehicle (eRCV) as part of the UK’s first zero emission collection fleet.
Designed to make a significant improvement to air quality in the City and advance decarbonisation, the new zero emission collection fleet will be operated by Veolia as part of the tech-driven waste collection, recycling, and street cleansing operations. This operational first has been achieved using new innovative technologies for both the charging infrastructure, and the vehicles, which will collect an estimated 20,000 tonnes of residents’ waste and recycling in the Square Mile for the duration of the contract.
To ensure the electricity infrastructure remains resilient for local communities, and at the same time provides sufficient charging for the fleet, Veolia has developed a smart charging system. This intelligent solution compares data including shift patterns, available generation and vehicle power requirements, and uses this in an algorithm that automatically determines which vehicles are charged when in the depot. By using this system the vehicles are available when needed, local grid power availability is maintained, and future expansion of electrical demands can be met as further decarbonisation measures are introduced.
The new 18-tonne and 26-tonne (GVW) pollution-busting vehicles are part of the City Corporation’s plan to ensure at least 90% of the Square Mile meets World Health Organisation guidelines for nitrogen dioxide by 2025. Powered by bespoke 100% recyclable lithium-ion batteries, rather than diesel, and designed for urban environments with short routes, the vehicles are expected to complete a full shift on one charge. Other technology includes the use of liquid cooled permanent magnet drive motors to ensure the ERCV can withstand stop-start environments where high torque is required.
