This configuration is well-suited for food waste collections.
The eCargo features a payload with a body and allowance of 7900 kg. With 140 kWh of battery capacity and thermally managed batteries, this truck can operate in -30- and +50- degree climates and has a range of up to 250 km. It also has a 150 KW DC fast charge capability, meaning this electric heavy goods vehicle can be double-shifted or exceed its range by over 100 miles in under an hour.
Electra’s vehicles come with an eight-year battery warranty and have Vehicle to Load capability meaning the trucks can charge other vehicles or supply 3-phase power for events.
Electra had initially built a trial 12.5-tonne eCargo that has been on demonstration for over a year throughout the UK with a kerbside recycling body fitted. This proved a success with the operators due to the platform's capabilities and effortless driveability.
Ben Smith, managing director at Electra, said: “The eCargo is the perfect solution to meet the requirements of the Government's new food waste collections regulations nationwide, producing zero-emissions and with a lead-time of under a year.
“We offer strategic solutions for every waste application. We are the first to build electric waste collection vehicles in the 12.5-tonne weight range and size.
“We recognised that the configuration of different body types significantly impacts the truck's size, design, and battery size and layout while also requiring an EPTO – all packed into a very short wheelbase. We are delighted that we can now offer our clients zero-emission trucks suited to small and busy roads in city centres and narrow precincts, ideally suited for the stringent demands of operations in ultra-low-emissions zones.”
The Electra eCargo is offered to the UK through an agreement with Guest Motors. The commercial vehicle solutions provider offers a range of Electra commercial electric vehicles through its network of Guest Truck & Van and Sherwood Truck & Van dealerships and service centres.
Basildon Council recently acquired the first fleet of seven 12.5-tonne Electra eCargo food waste vehicles fitted with a Hillend Engineering Micro XHD body, which went into service in April 2023. The fleet has been received a contract hire agreement with full service and maintenance from NRG Riverside.
Paul Brown, sales and after sales director at Hillend Engineering, said: “We embraced the chance to work with Electra and NRG Riverside to provide Basildon with its first 12.5-tonne electric food waste vehicles. We are proud to have been supplying food waste vehicles for the past 20 years, and through working in partnership with forward-thinking companies, we will supply them for another 20 years and further along.”