Wiltshire Council is trialling a new Volvo FE Low Entry Cab eRCV, the first of its kind to enter operation in the UK.
The vehicle will be used by Wiltshire Council’s waste contractor, Hills Waste Solutions, on different routes covering urban, semi-urban, semi-rural and rural areas. Results from this trial will be used to identify routes where the council can replace diesel vehicles with eRCVs.
To highlight its green credentials, the truck has been wrapped in an electric circuit design by Creative Vehicle Wrapping.
Martin Litherland, head of service for waste management at Wiltshire Council said: “We have invested in this 100% electric refuse collection vehicle to support our mission to reduce carbon emissions. The vehicle will be trialled around the county by our waste collection contractor, Hills, to help us understand the role that electric vehicles can play in delivering household waste collection services in Wiltshire.
“We are extremely happy with the wrapping service provided by Creative Vehicle Wrapping, with the finish complementing and enhancing our design, which highlights our commitment to sustainability and to be carbon neutral by 2030.”
Added Amy Stokes, head of e-mobility, Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland: “Our electric technology is designed to deliver performance, efficiency, and environmental benefits. This partnership with Wiltshire Council and Hills Group allows us to bring those advantages to life. It’s an ideal opportunity to support the council’s plans for a cleaner, more sustainable waste collection fleet. We’re eager to demonstrate how electric trucks can meet the demands of diverse operating environments, from urban areas to rural rounds.”
Cllr Dominic Muns, cabinet member for waste and environment, said: “This is an exciting collaboration with Volvo Trucks, which has a wealth of experience in the electric vehicle market. The 100% electric RCV contributes to cleaner air as it does not produce exhaust gas. This trial brings us a step closer to achieving our mission to modernise the council’s waste collection fleet to low carbon vehicles and ultimately to reduce carbon emissions.
“This trial will establish what percentage of collection routes could realistically be achieved with an electric vehicle, fully testing the capabilities of eRCVs in Wiltshire. It will play a significant role in determining the future procurement of waste collection vehicles and how they can potentially be utilised across the county. We can’t wait to see it on the road soon throughout our communities across the county.”
