Lewisham welcomes second Mercedes-Benz Econic refuse vehicle

Market-goers and traders in Lewisham are now benefiting from the introduction of a second Mercedes-Benz Econic refuse vehicle with Geesinknorba plug-in electric body.

The truck, which is based on an 18-tonne chassis supplied by Dealer Marshall Truck & Van, is the subject of a contract hire agreement with NRG Fleet Services, an established supplier to Lewisham Council.

The truck has been acquired to fulfil a specific role.

Lewisham Market is situated in the heart of the community and operates six days a week – the Econic is used to compact and remove waste that would otherwise accumulate around the traders’ stalls each day.

A 6x2 Econic with plug-in body has been in operation at nearby Deptford Market since 2011.

Whereas conventional refuse vehicles rely on their diesel engines to provide the power for bin-lifting, and the crushing and compaction cycle, Geesinknorba’s electric body fulfils these tasks almost silently and with the potential for zero carbon emissions.

Noel Everest, the authority’s service group manager for passenger & fleet services, said: “The Econic is superbly reliable, performs really well, and offers whole-life costs that blow its main competitor out of the water.

“The vehicle’s safety credentials, and the likelihood that it will get a five-star rating under the Mayor of London’s new Direct Vision Standard proposals, add significantly to its appeal. It is also driver-friendly, comfortable and easy to access, and therefore very popular with our crews.”

He added:“The plug-in body is an ideal solution, as it means the vehicle effectively acts as a mobile compactor skip. The body runs on electric power so is very quiet, and when it’s full – which is usually by lunchtime – the driver can leave the market with relative ease to tip.

"The Econic then returns and remains on site, typically until 7.30pm, at which point it comes back to the depot for the body to be recharged overnight.”