The vehicle, which has been wrapped by Creative Vehicle Wrapping in a striking green electric circuit design is being put through its paces across Wiltshire by the council’s waste collection contractor, Hills Waste Solutions Ltd.
The Volvo FE Low Entry Cab RCV will be trialled at operating depots and assigned to household waste collection rounds, initially starting in largely urban rounds in the northern areas of the county including Calne and Chippenham. It will later be trialled in the city of Salisbury. The trial will later look to assess the vehicle's performance in semi-urban, semi-rural, and finally the mainly rural rounds.
Martin Litherland, head of service for waste management at Wiltshire Council, said "We have invested in this 100% electric refuse collection vehicle to support our mission to reduce carbon emissions. The vehicle will be trialled around the county by our waste collection contractor, Hills, to help us understand the role that electric vehicles can play in delivering household waste collection services in Wiltshire.”
"We are extremely happy with the wrapping service provided by Creative Vehicle Wrapping, with the finish complementing and enhancing our design, which highlights our commitment to sustainability and to be Carbon Neutral by 2030."
Amy Stokes, head of e-mobility, Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland, said: "Our electric technology is designed to deliver performance, efficiency, and environmental benefits. This partnership with Wiltshire Council and Hills Group allows us to bring those advantages to life. It's an ideal opportunity to support the council's plans for a cleaner, more sustainable waste collection fleet. We're eager to demonstrate how electric trucks can meet the demands of diverse operating environments, from urban areas to rural rounds."
To further improve the sustainability of the vehicle, the eRCV has been adapted to include TRAILAR solar panels on the roof supporting the power requirements of the cab.
