VEV, the e-fleet solutions provider backed by Vitol—a world leader in the energy sector—launched a collaboration with Serco and RVS, public service providers, to pilot electric recycling and waste collection vehicles in Basingstoke, Deane, Hart, and Rushmoor.
RCVs can emit up to 600g CO2 per kilometre when fully laden. They are arguably among the largest carbon emitters in local authority and contracting fleets, making them priority candidates for electrification and a key focus for change to meet carbon reduction targets successfully by 2030.
Supporting the climate emergency targets of Basingstoke and Deane, and Hart and Rushmoor Councils, Serco, RVS, and VEV have combined their expertise to reduce the carbon footprint of recycling and refuse collection by demonstrating the capabilities of electrically powered collection vehicles (eRCVs).
Set to be deployed in a pilot scheme, RVS has refurbished and repowered two diesel RCVs into as-new electric vehicles. This process results in a lower manufacturing carbon footprint than building a new EV from scratch while removing a diesel vehicle from the fleet.
Leveraging its expertise in fleet electrification, VEV has supplied and installed charging infrastructure for the eRCVs and deployed its bespoke fleet management platform, VEV-IQ, to track performance during the pilot.
VEV-IQ will monitor multiple parameters throughout the pilot programme, including the eRCVs’ operational routes, charging schedules, power usage, and CO2 savings for the councils and Serco.
The project builds on VEV’s initial electrification feasibility assessment conducted at Rushmoor. The pilot will demonstrate the significant emissions- and noise-reducing benefits of electric vehicle waste collection and the operational benefits of eRCVs and establish the business case for Serco to electrify its refuse collection fleets.
VEV CEO Mike Nakrani said: ‘Electrifying recycling and refuse collection allows local councils to significantly reduce carbon emissions and noise pollution simultaneously, compared to a conventionally powered vehicle. We are pleased to work with RVS and Serco to deliver on the climate emergency targets of Basingstoke and Deane, and Hart and Rushmoor Councils. We’re confident in proving the operational and business case for fleet electrification to reduce the carbon footprint of local council fleets while delivering a cleaner, quieter environment for residents.’
Spencer Law, Founder & CEO of Refuse Vehicle Solutions, said: ‘RVS is pleased to collaborate with VEV to address the significant costs of fleet electrification faced by the waste industry. Since our launch of the e-One Electric Conversion in 2020, we’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback from across the industry, affirming its pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable waste management. Our pilot scheme is an excellent, risk-free opportunity to explore eRCV adoption with ongoing support and ultimately to advance on essential net-zero objectives.’
George Roach, Regional Director for Serco Environmental Services, said: ‘Serco is proud to be partnering with VEV, RVS and Basingstoke and Deane, Hart and Rushmoor Councils for this pilot, which sees preloved diesel vehicles taken off the road and upcycled into low-emission electric vehicles, supporting both our and the local authorities’ net carbon zero targets.’
