Salford City Council has started using one of the UK’s very first all-electric bin lorries in the form of the Mercedes-Benz eEconic. It weighs 27 tonnes, can empty 1200 bins a day, and is 100% electric!
Mercedes-Benz eEconic
- No Pollution: This lorry runs on batteries, not petrol or diesel, so it doesn’t pollute the air.
- Long Range: It can drive up to 93 miles and still have energy left over, even after a full day of collecting rubbish!
- Cool Tech: It has regenerative braking (that’s when the lorry charges itself a little every time it slows down) and a pre-heating system to keep the cab warm in winter without wasting battery.
Drivers Like It
“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.”
Anthony Kearns, HGV driver and trainer at Salford City Council
A Cleaner, Greener Future
Salford council wants to be net-zero by 2038, which means they add no pollution to the air. This electric bin lorry is just the beginning of their journey to a sustainable city.
Read more news for kids here
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.