Serco is piloting electric waste recycling wagons in Hampshire after two of its diesel fleet were ‘upcycled’ to cleaner versions.

The services company collaborated with e-fleet solutions provider VEV and refuse vehicle supplier RVS to reduce the carbon footprint of its recycling and refuse collections.

RVS refurbished and repowered the diesel trucks into electric variants, with VEV supplying the charging infrastructure to keep them on the road.

The pilot, in Basingstoke & Deane and Hart & Rushmoor, will demonstrate the emissions and noise-reducing potential of electric vehicle waste collection, along with the operational benefits and Serco said it hoped it could establish a business case to electrify its entire refuse collection fleets.

VEV chief executive Mike Nakrani said: “Electrifying recycling and refuse collection gives local councils the opportunity to significantly reduce carbon emissions and noise pollution simultaneously, compared to a conventionally powered vehicle.

“We are pleased to work with RVS and Serco to deliver on the climate emergency targets of Basingstoke & Deane, and Hart & Rushmoor Councils.

“We’re confident in proving the operational and business case for fleet electrification to reduce the carbon footprint of local council fleets, while delivering a cleaner, quieter environment for local residents.”

George Roach, regional director for Serco Environmental Services said it was “proud” of the partnership, “which sees pre-loved diesel vehicles taken off the road and upcycled into low emission electric vehicles, supporting both our and the local authorities’ net carbon zero targets”, he added.

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