Salford City Council has introduced its first all-electric refuse collection vehicle — a 27-tonne Mercedes-Benz eEconic — as part of its drive towards a more sustainable fleet.
The vehicle combines zero-emission operation with a payload comparable to its diesel counterpart and a class-leading range of around 150km, making it well suited to urban waste collection.
During trials, the eEconic completed daily rounds on a single charge, returning to the depot with up to 60% battery capacity remaining. It also collects over 1,200 bins per day as part of the council’s 36-truck fleet.
Council officers reported that the model outperformed other electric refuse trucks tested, while drivers praised its quiet operation, comfort and regenerative braking system.
Alan Fitzsimons, Transport Manager at Salford City Council, said the Mercedes-Benz eEconic was ‘leaps and bounds’ above its competitors.
The vehicle also features a special Lest We Forget livery marking the council’s support for the Armed Forces.
The addition of the eEconic forms part of Salford City Council’s strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2038 through gradual fleet replacement.
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