Cleanaway has welcomed the first of two fully electric kerbside waste collections vehicles, as part of a three-month trial.
The two fully operational vehicles are among the first in Australia to be servicing kerbside collections.
Cleanaway CEO and managing director, Vik Bansal said the roll out is an exciting step forward for the business.
“With almost 5000 vehicles on the road each day servicing homes and businesses all over Australia, we are looking for ways to do that more sustainably,” Bansal said.
“Sustainability is about more than removing emissions at all costs. If service levels drop or waste collection costs increase significantly for ratepayers – that isn’t sustainable.”
With zero emissions, the vehicles are expected to run for 180-200 kilometres before needing to recharge. The brakes also regenerate – reducing repair and maintenance costs, and the consumption of other parts such as brake pads.
The vehicles will also significantly reduce noise which makes early morning or late-night collections possible for some waste streams, such as green waste, which could reduce the impact for other road users in highly congested areas.
Cleanaway head of fleet Paul Young, said the company is optimistic about proving the reliability of the technology.
“The trial is designed to encourage fast learning so that the electric vehicles can continue operating once the trial has ended, allowing Cleanaway to introduce more electric and combination fuel vehicles to the permanent fleet.”
The first vehicle began servicing household collections in Hobsons Bay this week. City of Greater Geelong and Moonee Valley will also host the vehicle during the trial to ensure it is tested across a variety of terrain and in different municipal settings.
Mayor of Hobsons Bay Councillor Jonathon Marsden said the trial of the electric waste vehicle is exciting for Hobsons Bay and will complement the great work already happening in the sustainable transport realm.
“These initiatives support our key priorities in the Hobsons Bay 2030 Community Vision of exploring sustainable practices and growth through innovation, technology, job creation and education.
“It’s also a step in the right direction of council’s draft Waste and Litter Management Strategy 2025 to trial alternative fuels in the waste, recycling and litter collection fleet.”
These vehicles are not yet in mass production but were commissioned by Cleanaway in conjunction with SEA Electric and Superior Pak.
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