Salford City Council has invested in its first all-electric refuse collection vehicle (RCV) — a 27-tonne Mercedes-Benz eEconic. The new electric truck combines zero emissions with a high payload capacity similar to the diesel Econic and a class-leading operational range of at least 150km in refuse operations, making it ideal for the stop-start demands of urban refuse collection. Earlier this year, these outstanding features won
Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK the title of Innovator of the Year by the expert judges of the
Fleet Vision International Awards 2025.
The eEconic was selected by Salford City Council after an extensive evaluation programme when it completed daily rounds on a single charge and returned to the depot with 40–60% spare battery capacity, outperforming all competitor vehicles. At 27 tonnes when fully loaded – only one tonne more than the typical 26-tonne diesel equivalent — the eEconic handles the intensive demands of refuse collection with ease, collecting over 1,200 bins per day as part of the council’s 36-truck fleet.
Alan Fitzsimons, transport manager at Salford City Council, said: “During our demonstration period, the Mercedes-Benz eEconic completed every route with battery range to spare, while competitors struggled to finish on a single charge. It is 100% electric, and the range and regenerative braking are excellent. It has surpassed all our expectations and we are proud to lead the way in sustainable waste collection for Salford residents.”
He added: “For cost reasons, we previously bought cheaper trucks, but experience has shown that quality and reliability matter. We have been gradually returning our fleet to Mercedes-Benz, adding around one new vehicle per year to serve Salford’s growing population.”
Drivers have responded positively to the eEconic’s performance and comfort. Anthony Kearns, HGV driver and trainer at Salford City Council, said: “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 7hr. It is much quieter than a diesel, cooler in the summer, smoother to drive, and a real pleasure to drive around city streets. Furthermore, a pre-heat function alongside regenerative braking make a real difference, ensuring the battery lasts while keeping the cab comfortable.”
Heiko Selzam, managing director of Daimler Truck UK, said: “The positive feedback from Salford City Council shows that all-electric trucks can deliver more than sustainability benefits. The eEconic provides excellent range, quieter operation, and better working conditions for drivers, proving electric refuse trucks are ready for real-world urban use.”
Salford City Council is targeting ‘net zero’ operations by 2038 through natural fleet replacement where possible. Refuse trucks typically have a 10-year operational life, improved from the previous seven-year cycle, reducing maintenance and downtime while supporting the council’s sustainability goals.