The second configuration of the eRCV launched in 2020, the 18t 4x2 model aims to meet the urgent demand for a small zero-emissions RCV suited to collection rounds in towns and cities with restricted access.

The 4x2 eCollect is a smaller version of the original 6x2 but it has a 10m3 body capable of carrying 4.8 tonnes – the same as its diesel equivalent. And like the 6x2, it has a Narrow Track chassis to provide optimum manoeuvrability.

The vehicle is fitted with three battery packs instead of five, which are carefully balanced to optimise its load, with one centre pack and one pack on each side. Together, they provide it with 180kWh of power, enough for a full day’s work on a typical double-shift round. The new model still has the same 200kW electric drive as the original eCollect.

As per the 6x2 variant, this model requires an off board charger that outputs a minimum of 600v DC via 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.

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 DE-Connect telematics system.

The first 4x2 eCollect has been trialled in Kensington and Chelsea, where they successfully put the vehicle to work on a variety of rounds earlier this spring. It returned to the depot after a double shift with typically 30-35% of its charge remaining.

Dennis Eagle’s sales and marketing manager Lee Rowland said: ‘The new 4x2 eCollect is firmly based on the original 6x2. It’s a similar vehicle with a smaller footprint – very little has changed apart from size.

‘But it is a very significant development for our customers. We chose the next eCollect model to be the 4x2 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.’