Cleanaway trials zero emission trucks

Waste management company, Cleanaway, has welcomed the first of two fully electric collections vehicles to its fleet, forming part of a three-month trial.

According to Cleanaway CEO and Managing Director, Vik Bansal, the company has almost 5,000 vehicles on the road each day Australia-wide and aims to service homes and businesses more sustainably.

“It’s important that we continue to deliver a consistent service each day to the households and businesses who rely on us,” he said. “Sustainability is about more than removing emissions at all costs. If service levels drop or waste collection costs increase significantly for ratepayers – that isn’t sustainable.”

The two fully operational vehicles are among the first in Australia to service kerbside collections.

Cleanaway Head of Fleet, Paul Young, is optimistic about proving the reliability of fully-electric vehicles.

“The trial is designed to encourage fast learning so that the electric vehicles can continue operating once the trial has ended, allowing Cleanaway to introduce more electric and combination fuel vehicles to the permanent fleet,” he said.

The zero emission vehicles are expected to run 180-200 kilometres before requiring recharge. Cleanaway confirmed the brakes also regenerate.

The first vehicle commenced household collection operations in Hobsons Bay on 15 May.

The City of Greater Geelong and Moonee Valley will also reportedly host the vehicle during the trial to ensure it is tested across a variety of terrain and in different municipal settings.

Mayor of Hobsons Bay, Councillor Jonathon Marsden, said the trial of the electric waste vehicle is exciting for Hobsons Bay and will complement the great work already happening in the sustainable transport realm.

“Council is a proud leader in supporting low emissions vehicles,” he said.

“We were part of a hydrogen fuel cell electric car trial with Toyota and now join this trial of an electric waste collection vehicle with Cleanaway.

“These initiatives support our key priorities in the Hobsons Bay 2030 Community Vision of exploring sustainable practices and growth through innovation, technology, job creation and education. It’s also a step in the right direction of Council’s draft Waste and Litter Management Strategy 2025 to trial alternative fuels in the waste, recycling and litter collection fleet.”

These vehicles are not yet in mass production but were commissioned by Cleanaway in conjunction with SEA Electric and Superior Pak. These vehicles have been assembled in Bundaberg, with the first arriving in Melbourne earlier this month for commissioning, training and testing before today’s first run.