Serco declares pilot for electric refuse collection vehicles a success

A pilot for electric recycling and waste collection vehicles (eRCVs) has delivered reductions in noise pollution and emissions.

In the eight-week pilot, Serco was supported by Vev and Refuse Vehicle Solutions (RVS) in demonstrating the capabilities of the electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce the substantial carbon footprint created by recycling and refuse collection.

Across 69 collection rounds balancing distance, bin-quantity and weight in Hampshire, the two RVS-repowered eRCVs completed refuse and recycling collections for thousands of local residents.

The specialised vehicles significantly reduced noise pollution and delivered 8,898kg in emissions savings, removing the equivalent of two cars from the road for an entire year just over the eight-week period.

The carbon footprint was further reduced during the manufacturing process by using vehicles converted from diesel to electric.

Drivers of the eRCVs lost their scepticism about EVs quickly, according to Serco, and concluded that they preferred the new vehicles.

One said, “I like how quiet it is, I can hear the crew working behind me much easier, it feels much safer.”

Under different scenarios blending the impacts of energy price, vehicle efficiency, mechanical optimisations, fuel price changes and maintenance strategies, Vev says that total cost of ownership (TCO) savings of between 4% and 14% compared to diesel RCVs, could be achieved in the short term.

These models were generated by its bespoke management platform, Vev-IQ, which is used to optimise EV fleet operations.

George Roach, performance and compliance director for Serco Environmental Services, said: “Establishing the business-case for electrifying Serco’s recycling and refuse collection fleet was key for us throughout this pilot scheme.

“The operational efficiency gains that VEV and RVS have helped us achieve, have played a critical role in proving the business-case for electrifying even more of our collection contracts across the UK, allowing us to deliver cleaner air and quieter streets for local communities.”

From increasing range by up to 20% with driver training, to managing energy consumption through smart charging schedules and vehicle performance monitoring, pilot data was utilised to showcase how an optimised eRCV operation can be a cost-effective solution for operators, without additional financial burden on the local population.

Analysing the real-world data from the daily collection operations, Vev has delivered a TCO-optimised, three-phase plan for Serco to roll out eRCV operations across multiple sites in the UK, starting with the two Hampshire depots.

The plan encompasses a grid upgrade, solar power installation, optimisation stream, and the Vev-IQ analytics platform.

Vev-IQ will facilitate smart charging and operations optimisation based on monitoring and trialling operational changes.

Assessing the electrification readiness of Serco’s fleets in the two Hampshire councils, Vev identified that multiple vehicles are prepared for a cost-effective switch now, with a second wave to follow.

Vev CEO, Mike Nakrani, said: “A critical objective for Vev, Serco and RVS in this project, was to prove that electric recycling and refuse collection can be a significant step in reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality, in a way that makes commercial sense for fleet operators and local councils.

“By saving nearly nine tonnes of emissions in just eight weeks and proving that eRCV costs can meet or even improve on their diesel counterparts, this real-life project has delivered a ringing endorsement for electrifying all kinds of commercial fleets.

“We thank each of our partners for their commitment and rigour in this project, and we look forward to helping Serco make a cost-effective switch across even more of its eRCV fleet moving forward.”

Spencer Law, founder and CEO of Refuse Vehicle Solutions (RVS), added: “Repowering refuse collection vehicles enables fleet operators like Serco to reap a swathe of environmental and efficiency benefits.

“The converted eRCVs we delivered consistently completed their routes with enough battery charge on return to the depot to cater for unplanned, extra rounds.

“The drivers adapted well to the vehicles after the initial coaching, and reported stronger vehicle performance than their diesel equivalents, with many preferring the comfort and quietness of the electric operation.

“We’re delighted with the performance of the eRCVs that this pioneering project has helped us put in the spotlight.”