A&M Smith Recycling, an Aberdeen-based waste and recycling specialist, has introduced a Renault Trucks electric skip loader to its fleet, to work out of the company’s Bankhead Recycling Centre.

The 18-tonne E-Tech D Wide 4x2 rigid is equipped with four battery packs and a Palfinger skip loader body and is being deployed on local skip deliveries and collections throughout the city and surrounding area, serving residential, commercial and industrial customers.

Scott Smith, Owner of A&M Smith Recycling, said: “We have been looking seriously at how we reduce our reliance on diesel across the business and make further progress towards decarbonising our operations. Putting our first electric skip wagon – the Renault Trucks E-Tech D Wide – on the road is an important step. This zero tail pipe emissions vehicle will have a dramatic impact on our Scope 1 emissions, as well as the benefits of the Scope 3 impacts on our offshore services customers.

The Renault Trucks E-Tech D Wide is working on carefully selected routes in and around Aberdeen, returning to A&M Smith’s depot for overnight charging.

Its quiet operation makes it particularly well suited to residential collections and early-morning work, where reduced vehicle noise benefits customers and local communities. It is also supporting A&M Smith’s commercial and industrial operations, including work for businesses seeking to reduce emissions across their supply chains.

“Going into a customer’s site with an electric truck provides visible evidence that we are investing in a cleaner operation,” Scott said. “The vehicle is quiet, easy to drive and well suited to the urban and local work we are using it for.”

He continued: “Our drivers have taken to it well and it is already demonstrating the potential to reduce day-to-day running costs compared with a diesel vehicle. There are fewer maintenance requirements, no AdBlue is required and the electric driveline provides a smooth and comfortable driving experience.”