Waste recycling specialist Recycling Lives has begun zero tailpipe emissions skips services with the UK’s first 100% electric skip transporter truck from French automaker Renault.
One of two Renault Trucks E-Tech D18 Wides will be based at Recycling Lives’s 15-acre Recycling Park in Preston, the company said. The vehicles have a capacity to complete a full day’s work on a single charge with zero tailpipe emissions and low traffic noise. These features make the trucks suitable for cities ambitious to reduce CO2 emissions and improve air quality. Their low sound output makes them useful in urban areas where noise pollution is a problem.
Powered by 265kWh batteries, each truck is equipped with a 22kW on board AC charger and is compatible with DC fast charging up to 150kW, allowing fast charging of the vehicle to extend its daily operational range.
These are the first electric skip loaders in the UK, developed by Renault Trucks. As Recycling Lives begin the journey to decarbonise its entire fleet, these all-electric vehicles will be used in daily operations, servicing commercial and household clients, the company said.
Gerry Marshall, CEO of Recycling Lives explained: “As part of our decarbonisation strategy, we are looking to further reduce our carbon footprint by using more sustainable fuel solutions, this could include for example green hydrogen which is part of our Energy from Waste project.
“Moving towards zero-carbon transport solutions is a huge business priority, so we’re looking forward to getting these UK-first electric skip trucks on the road.”
Andrew Scott, Head of Electric Mobility for Renault Trucks adds: “It has been great to find a proactive partner in Recycling Lives willing to bring electric vehicles into service in such a familiar but demanding environment.”
The first truck has begun its work and Recycling Lives will take delivery of the next in due course.