Dennis Eagle has launched an updated version of the all-electric eCollect refuse collection vehicle.
The company launched the first configuration of the ground-breaking eRCV in 2020.
The company chose the 18-tonne 4×2 model as the next eCollect to meet the urgent demand for a small zero-emissions RCV suited to collection rounds in urban areas with restricted access. These rounds are often in locations with poor air quality.
The 4×2 eCollect is a smaller version of the original 6×2, but it has a ten m³ body capable of carrying 4.8 tonnes – the same as its diesel equivalent. And like the 6×2, it has a Narrow Track chassis to provide optimum manoeuvrability.
Load optimisation
The vehicle is fitted with three battery packs instead of five, carefully balanced to optimise its load, with one centre pack and one pack on each side.
Together, they provide it with 180kWh of power, comfortably enough for a full day’s work on a typical double-shift round. It still has the same 200kW electric drive as the original eCollect.
The cab is also the same 5-star DVS-rated Elite 6 model, with plenty of room for the driver and up to three crew. Once again, the eRCV is factory-fitted with the industry-leading DE-Connect telematics system.
Comprehensive tests
And like the original eCollect, the new vehicle has been put through comprehensive testing and homologation.
As with the 6×2 variant, this model requires an offboard charger that outputs a minimum of 600v DC via a CCS2 connection. However, with only three battery packs, it is considerably quicker to charge, taking only 3.5 hours to reach 100% after starting from around 15% residual charge.
Kensington and Chelsea
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea trialled the first 4×2 eCollect, successfully putting the vehicle to work on various rounds earlier this spring.
It returned to the depot after a double shift with 30-35% of its charge remaining. The nature of the rounds it has been covering has meant it only travelled around 35 miles a day, but in practice, that will be typical of urban rounds the 4×2 eCollect is used for.
The new eCollect has completed its rounds quicker than comparable diesel vehicles due to its better acceleration from standstill. Given the stop-start nature of waste collection, this is important for operational efficiency and helping traffic flow.
Quiet operation
The eRCV is much quieter and causes less disturbance for anyone in the vicinity. This means crews can use it in noise-sensitive locations, and they will also appreciate the more silent operation.
Dennis Eagle’s Sales and Marketing Manager Lee Rowland said: ‘We have built the new 4×2 eCollect on the original 6×2. It’s a similar vehicle with a smaller footprint – very little has changed apart from its size.
‘But it is a very significant development for our customers. We chose the next eCollect model to be the 4×2 because many of the places a vehicle of this size will be used have air quality issues which are being treated as a priority by our customers.
‘It is already clear we have another operationally efficient and cost-effective eRCV in our range.’
