RCV System fitted_2

Waste operator Veolia has successfully trialled the first retrofit exhaust after-treatment system for RCVs to be approved under the Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme (CVRAS).

The scheme enables older vehicles to reach the Euro-6 emissions standards required by London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone and national clean air zones.

Working in partnership with Westminster City Council and retrofit firm Eminox, Veolia has been operating two Euro-5 bin lorries fitted with the new technology in the capital and has reported a 99% reduction in NOx levels as a result.

The system works by combining a diesel particulate filter with selective catalytic reduction and Amminex ASDS technology in what Eminox describes as “an industry first” for the RCV sector.

It is currently approved under the CVRAS for Euro-5 versions of the Dennis Eagle Elite with Volvo D7C 7-litre engine and the Mercedes Benz Econic 6.3-litre engine.

Pascal Hauret, regional director for Veolia London, said: “As one of the UK’s largest fleet operators, we play a crucial role delivering cleaner air for London and across the UK. Veolia has been trialling low-emission vehicle technologies with industry leaders like Eminox since 2012, and we’re now ideally placed to support the shift to low emissions, improving air quality in Westminster and beyond.

“We’re delighted to have worked with Westminster City Council and Eminox to lead the waste sector in adopting this technology which represents a huge opportunity for cities across the country.”

Carlos Vicente, Eminox retrofit sales director, said: “We have been working with Westminster Council for many years and they have always been early adopters in clean air technology.

“The support from Westminster for this project has enabled us to collaborate with Veolia and Amminex to develop real-world Euro-6 ULEZ solutions for the most prestigious RCV fleet in the country.”

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Eminox designed the technology after Westminster City Council committed to retrofitting its vehicles with the invention, should it be successfully accredited under the CVRAS.

The trial included lab testing as well as field testing on the two Westminster vehicles, which resulted in the technology receiving accreditation by Energy Saving Trust, which manages the CVRAS.

Veolia’s two Westminster City Council vehicles used in the trial will continue to run with the installed system, while the remainder of the fleet will be fitted ahead of ULEZ starting in April 2019.

It is anticipated that more retrofit options will start to emerge for the HGV market following a £2.5m government funding boost to stimulate the market and help more systems achieve accreditation.

  • Veolia UK fleet director Gary Clark will be sharing the company's experience in trialling alternative fuels and technologies at Freight in the City Expo on 6 November. Book your free place today!

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