We're charging forward with 100% electric trucks

This #CleanAirDay we welcomed with open arms our first of a series of fully electric trucks to join our growing fleet, tying in perfectly with our #SustainABLEPathway commitment number 6:

We commit to decarbonise our infrastructure by electrifying our fleet and continuing to operate clean energy buildings and equipment.

As outlined in an earlier blog post, carbon reduction should be the number one priority when it comes to any net zero plan. The science is clear, emissions must fall from current levels and reach net zero if we are to have any chance in halting the devastating impacts of climate change.

As a waste and recycling business, one of the largest contributions to our carbon footprint is our fleet. We operate a modern fleet of over 50 Euro 6 emission vehicles and employ a trained route planner to optimise efficiencies to reduce emissions where possible. We have been running electric light vans and company cars for three years, but as part of our #SustainABLEPathway, we have now committed to electrifying our fleet.

Until recently, progress in the development of fully electric commercial vehicles has been slow, with low battery ranges and high costs. In our view, hybrids and other alternative fuel vehicles do not make environmental or commercial sense.

We decided that 100% electric was the only ‘SustainABLE’ route for our fleet.

Our facility in Purfleet is another contributor to our carbon footprint, as the machinery requires electricity to power it and sort recycling. In 2015, we therefore decided to switch to a renewable provider across all our sites, meaning your recycling is powered by renewables.

After successful trials in 2020, we decided to invest in over £0.5m in 100% electric trucks. These are the first fully electric trucks serving commercial customers to hit the streets of London – and we’re so proud to be kick-starting zero emissions collections.

First to arrive is a 7.5t box truck, which we will use to exchange bins for a variety of material types. Imminently, we’ll receive our 20t RCV, which accurately weighs, tips bins and compacts waste.

In the ultimate demonstration of recycling, the RCV started life as one of our own diesel vehicles. It has been retrofitted by our suppliers to be fully electric, by removing the engine and replacing with battery powered electric motors.

The new trucks will be powered by lithium-ion batteries, charged by renewable energy at our facility with our upgraded fast-charging infrastructure – helping to reduce air pollution in the Capital and allowing us to operate zero emission recycling collections.

Bill Swan, Paper Round Managing Director commented: ‘These additions to our fleet will form an essential part of our ongoing commitment to reducing our carbon footprint. They will also be contributing to London’s journey to net zero by 2050 and to lowering other forms of air pollution such as nitrogen oxides. We’ve been running electric light vans and company cars for three years and we are excited to officially launch London’s first heavy electric trucks.’

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