Electric ‘Dennis’ leads the charge
A 27-tonne electric bin collection lorry has been launched for a two-year trial around Sunderland in a bid to reduce carbon emissions.
The Dennis Eagle eCollect, an electric refuse collection vehicle, has launched in Sunderland in a bid to reduce carbon emissions and be more cost effective for council taxpayers.
The launch of the 24-month trial of the electric lorry is understood to be the first of its kind in the North East.
Dennis will be collectingtonnes of waste daily and is expected to clock up 10,000 miles every year.
The vehicle has cost £423,000 – including a contribution of £120,000 from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and will work from the council depots at South Hylton or Jack Crawford House.
Dennis will be charged from a 63kw socket, especially adapted for this size of vehicle.
The trial will compare the Dennis eRCV to an identical diesel vehicle, looking at how they perform against each other.
Fiona Brown, Executive Director of Neighbourhoods at Sunderland City Council, said: "We are all very aware of the impact that climate change is having and the council is committed to driving down its carbon emissions and Sunderland becoming a carbon neutral city.
"The council is making a difference with carbon reduction as we continue updating and transforming our waste and recycling services.
"The purchase of this vehicle is a very visible and physical demonstration of this council's commitment to carbon reduction while serving residents."
Over the next two years, Dennis will be used across the city to test its suitability in different neighbourhoods.
Richard Taylor, Dennis Eagle’s Sales and Marketing Director, said: "This will be the first eCollect in the North East of England, so councils like Sunderland are leading the charge.
"Sunderland will be among the first in the UK to operate all-electric refuse collection vehicles and we are delighted they have chosen our eCollect."
The council already has plans in place to acquire a further seven low carbon electric vehicles.
Ian Bell, the council's vehicle fleet manager, added: "This is a very physical demonstration of the council’s continued commitment to clean air.”