Bradford Council is trialling an electric gritter as part of its plan to achieve net zero emissions by 2038. Supplied on a lease contract from Econ Engineering the EV gritter has a range of up to 170 miles and recharges in under two hours.
The vehicle will be based out of the council’s Wakefield Road depot, working on roads in Little Horton, Great Horton, Wibsey, Woodside and the city centre.
The new addition to the fleet is funded by Clean Air Zone revenue instead of coming out of the council’s main budget. Taking into account current electricity and diesel prices, the council expects to make a saving of 0.13p/mile compared to a diesel-powered gritter.
Callum Mapplebeck, principal engineer at Bradford Council said: “Our drivers have reported that the electric gritter is a lot cleaner to recharge rather than refuelling, has no oil so there are no oil leaks and it offers a quiet drive, which is a benefit when gritting in residential areas.”
Bradford Council’s lead member for regeneration, transport and planning, councillor Alex Ross-Shaw said: “It is great to be extending the number of fully electric vehicles in the Bradford Council fleet as we move forward with an ambitious target of achieving net zero carbon by 2038. It is important that we explore new technology solutions. Switching to electric is an investment for the future, and a powerful tool for reducing CO2 emissions.”
Bradford Council held a schools competition to find a name for its new gritter. Pupils at Dixons Music Primary Academy have christened the EV gritter Glittery Ice Machine. Based on Glittery Ice Machine’s performance over the winter, the council will evaluate the viability of including EV gritters in its fleet on a long-term basis. The electric gritter will be evaluated based on data gathered during its routes such as performance and battery life.
