The city of Leeds has deployed its first all-electric refuse trucks, adding three Mercedes-Benz eEconic vehicles to its fleet as part of a push toward lower emissions and cleaner urban operations, the city announced on Friday.
Each eEconic 300 truck is equipped with three battery packs totaling 36 kWh of energy storage and will be charged overnight at the Newmarket House depot. While Daimler Truck states that the eEconic 300 can charge from 20% to 80% in 75 minutes using a 160 kW DC charger, the exact charging infrastructure at the depot remains unspecified. Earlier reports indicate that the site is equipped with 20 electric charging points for refuse trucks and 22 charging points for service vans.
The trucks feature 22 m³ Variopress compactor bodies and Rotary 3 bin lifters, supplied by FAUN Zoeller UK. Local dealer Northside Truck & Van provided the chassis and will oversee maintenance and technical support. “Leeds has chosen to be one of the pioneers driving forward the use of electric domestic refuse collection vehicles,” said Chief Environmental Services Officer John Woolmer. “Our three new fully electric RCVs will be targeted to areas of the city that have the greatest air quality issues and where operating a cleaner, greener and quieter service will have the most impact.” The introduction of these vehicles is expected to cut over 45 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.
The eEconic is already in use in Denmark and Germany, with Danish waste management firm Urbaser operating these trucks in Copenhagen, Vejle, and Aarhus. Designed specifically for refuse collection, the eEconic features a low-entry cab, room for up to four occupants, and a lowered driver’s seat for improved urban visibility.
See also: First Bus Expands Electric Fleet in Leeds with 22 New Double-Deckers
Leeds’ investment in electric refuse vehicles aligns with its broader sustainability goals, aiming to reduce emissions and noise pollution in densely populated areas.
