Salford City Council has added its first all-electric refuse collection vehicle (RCV), a 27-tonne Mercedes-Benz eEconic.
The eEconic combines zero emissions with a high payload capacity similar to the diesel Econic and an operational range of at least 150km in refuse operations.
The vehicle was selected after an extensive evaluation programme, where it completed daily rounds on a single charge, and returned to the depot with 40–60% spare battery capacity – outperforming all other models tested by Salford City Council.
At 27 tonnes when fully loaded, the eEconic handles the intensive demands of refuse collection, collecting over 1,200 bins per day as part of the council’s 36-truck fleet.
The eEconic features a special ‘Lest We Forget’ livery for Armed Forces week, demonstrating Salford City Council’s commitment to honouring military service while embracing sustainable technology.
Salford City Council is targeting net-zero by 2038 through natural fleet replacement, where possible.
Refuse trucks typically have a ten-year operational life, improved from the previous seven-year cycle, reducing maintenance and downtime while supporting the council’s sustainability goals.
Alan Fitzsimons, Transport Manager at Salford City Council, said:
“The Mercedes-Benz eEconic is leaps and bounds above the rest. During our demonstration period, it completed every route with battery range to spare, while competitors struggled to finish on a single charge. It is 100% electric, and the range and regenerative braking are excellent.
“It has surpassed all our expectations and we’re proud to lead the way in sustainable waste collection for Salford residents.”
“For cost reasons, we previously bought cheaper trucks, but experience has shown that quality and reliability matter. We have been gradually returning our fleet to Mercedes-Benz, adding around one new vehicle per year to serve Salford’s growing population,” he added.
Anthony Kearns, HGV driver and trainer at Salford City Council, said:
“My biggest worry was whether it would complete the route, but on my longest day, when I travel 60 miles and take three loads totalling 30 tonnes, it still has 36% battery left after seven hours. It’s second to none compared to other vehicles we’ve tried, plus other drivers keep telling me, ‘no wonder you like driving this – it’s like a Rolls Royce of bin trucks.’”
“It’s much quieter than a diesel, cooler in summer, smoother to drive, and a real pleasure for city streets. The pre-heat function and regenerative braking make a real difference, ensuring the battery lasts while keeping the cab comfortable.”
Heiko Selzam, Managing Director of Daimler Truck UK, said:
“The positive feedback from Salford City Council shows that all-electric trucks can deliver more than sustainability benefits.
“The eEconic provides excellent range, quieter operation, and better working conditions for drivers, proving electric refuse trucks are ready for real-world urban use.”
Image courtesy of Mercedes
