Biffa to upcycle refuse trucks to electric

Biffa has placed an initial order with Lunaz to convert 10 of its diesel refuse trucks to clean-air electric powertrains, following real world testing since April 2023.
 
The two companies will work together over the next decade to support the transition of Biffa diesel refuse trucks to clean-air electric trucks as they reach the end of their useful lives.

The final testing programme was conducted in major urban centres including Milton Keynes and Manchester, with the trucks operating full domestic and commercial routes alongside their conventional diesel-powered counterparts. As well as evaluating the electric powertrain and battery performance in varying terrain and weather conditions, the programme gathered essential operational feedback from crews and fleet managers.
 
This latest announcement marks another significant step Biffa has taken towards decarbonising its fleet on its journey towards Net Zero. It has a commitment to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030 - building on a 70% reduction in emissions since 2002 - and to ceasing buying fossil-fuelled trucks by 2030. The Group also recently announced that its near-term scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), demonstrating the company’s commitment to the Paris Agreement goals, which aims to restrict global warming to less than 2°C by 2050.

Biffa’s alternative fuels vehicle strategy is a key component in its effort to transition its diesel collection fleet to a more sustainable option. In its latest Sustainability Report, published on Thursday 7th September, the Group announced it has already adopted 120 electric or Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil vehicles in its fleet, representing a step towards reducing emissions and adopting cleaner transportation.

Through an increase in its collection route efficiency and the integration of recent acquisitions, Biffa’s streamlined operations has resulted in significant environmental benefits, saving approximately 1,600 CO2e emissions annually.

Maxine Mayhew, COO Collection & Specialist Services, said: “The streets of Milton Keynes and Manchester provided a challenging real-world test for the Lunaz UEVs, and I’m pleased to say they passed with flying colours. Our drivers and operatives were seriously impressed with how the trucks performed and the successful trial means we can now move forward with our initial order of 26-tonne upcycled UEVs, saving up to 210 tonnes in embedded carbon.

“This agreement represents a key milestone for Biffa highlighting progress towards our sustainability and decarbonisation goals. By working with Lunaz to meet our goal of buying no more fossil fuelled vehicles by 2030 while breaking the replace-with-new cycle, we are pioneering an approach in this industry.”