Southampton City Council has received the first of four all-electric eSwingo compact sweepers from Aebi Schmidt UK to help meet its environmental objectives under its Green City Plan 2030.
The zero-emission eSwingos will contribute to the council’s sustainable energy and carbon reduction objectives. Included in these is the pledge that all corporate assets will have a net-zero carbon footprint and 90% of its fleet will be zero-emission by 2030.
The council is making a significant investment in its entire fleet with many municipal vehicle types moving to lower or zero-emission technology as part of the broader green transport commitments.
The eSwingos will replace the seven diesel-powered Swingo 200+ sweepers that the council currently operates with new electric versions as they come to the end of their working lives, helping with the transition away from fossil fuels.
Aebi-Schmidt undertook a pilot test of one of the vehicles last year, which demonstrated the eSwingo was easily capable of working a nine-hour shift but still leaving between 43-54% of battery life available and operating at extremely low noise levels.
Charge points have been installed at council depots, supplied by charging specialist JoJu Solar, a significant supplier under the Central Southern Regional Framework agreement for EV charging infrastructure.
Cabinet Member for Green City & Place, Councillor Steve Leggett, said: ‘We’ve set ambitious, challenging goals to help tackle climate change – this includes being a carbon neutral council by 2030.
‘We are leading the way with our Fleet Modernisation Plan, and these eSwingos form part of an investment plan to increase the numbers of zero and low emission vehicles we operate across Southampton.
‘We are encouraging residents and business to review their impact on the environment, as we know that small, simple changes can make a difference to our carbon footprints.
‘We have also invested in new cycle lanes across the city as active, sustainable travel. We are giving more people the confidence to travel by bike, therefore reducing air pollution and the number of vehicles on our roads,’ he said.
Aebi Schmidt area sales manager, Paul Pudney, said: ‘We have always enjoyed an excellent working relationship with Southampton City Council and it has been great to be involved with their plans for a safer, cleaner, greener city.
‘The Council is a real ambassador of our Swingo 200+ compact sweeper, so it was fascinating to see the new generation, 100% electric eSwingo put to the test across the city’s various street cleansing operations.
‘And it is a privilege to be able to contribute towards their carbon neutral pledges for 2030 onwards and continue to work with and support them.
‘The Swingo is a well-established sweeper that is known for its reliability, manoeuvrability and outstanding performance. The new eSwingo will offer everything the diesel model does but in a completely sustainable way, producing 0% CO2 which is great for the environment and delivering the future of sweeping, today,’ he said.
Aebi Schmidt UK managing director, Richard Bryant, added: ‘The new, zero-emission eSwingo offers both local authorities and private service contractors not only the cleanest possible emissions but provides sustainable, cutting-edge technology and an all-inclusive package covering service, maintenance and performance needs.
‘It truly heralds the dawn of a new era in sweeping technology and, with a near-silent electric drive, delivers noiseless, highly efficient sweeping. As a result, the eSwingo can be deployed at night or in the early hours of the morning in built-up areas without a problem.’
