eRCV
The future is electric
The eRCV (Electric Refuse Collection Vehicle) projects were two projects that explored the electrification of commercial vehicles, part-funded by InnovateUK.
eRCV I demonstrated the technical feasibility of repowering an end-of-life diesel vehicle (part of the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s refuse collection fleet) to run with an electric engine and hydraulics system. The project was able to develop the first electric-powered, zero-emission 26-tonne Refuse Collection Vehicle in the UK.
eRCV II built on this success and repowered a further four end-of-life Refuse Collection Vehicles to be fully electric. The vehicles were trialled in two demanding real-world environments - a densely populated urban area (Westminster Council) and an urban/rural, hilly area (Sheffield Council).
“At DG Cities we specialise in taking a “whole city” view which is critical to developing business cases to support desired activities and understanding the likely impact.”
The role of DG Cities
Across both projects, DG Cities was responsible for building the case for mass exploitation of the vehicle and its technology, and understanding the wider benefits of this technology. This work involved:
Developing the environmental, social and financial business case for repower
Interviewing and engaging with multiple stakeholders to identify the opportunities and barriers to adoption of repower amongst relevant sectors
Dissemination and exploitation of this new technology and its opportunities amongst relevant city stakeholders and fleet managers
Why is this work important?
The opportunities for electric commercial vehicles, and reuse of an existing asset, is enticing, bringing multiple environmental benefits, as well as financial. However, electrification of fleet vehicles, and particularly repower, requires an additional upfront cost that exceeds its diesel counterpart. It is only by considering the entire cost of operation of the vehicle, and the additional environmental and social benefits, that a repowered e-vehicle becomes a compelling option for many fleet operators.
Furthermore, this technology is exciting, but awareness and consideration of other factors that may influence purchasing decisions e.g. charging infrastructure, driver education may be lacking. By facilitating discussions and providing guidance within these areas, our work helped to facilitate an efficient transition to electric vehicles in an effective, environmentally friendly and cost-efficient manner.
At DG Cities we specialise in taking a “whole city” view which is critical to developing business cases to support desired activities and understanding the likely impact. In this way you can ensure the technologies you are deploying will deliver value, both commercially, socially and environmentally.
“Our work helped to facilitate an efficient transition to electric vehicles in an effective, environmentally friendly and cost-efficient manner.”