Wellington’s first fully electric rubbish truck will join two electric vans in servicing about 40 Wellington City Council social housing sites.
The Manco SEA EV10 Electricat was revealed at a ceremony at the council’s Berkley Dallard apartments on June 12.
Bought with the aid of a government low emission vehicles contestable fund administered by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), the e-truck goes to contractor Professional Property & Cleaning Services (PPCS).
The same company introduced two electric vans last year and has ordered six more EVs.
PPCS committed to introducing EVs where possible in taking up a contract for cleaning and rubbish removal at WCC’s Parks, Sports and Recreation and City Housing sites.
“We see this new truck as a major step towards our target of converting 70% of our fleet to electric or hybrid by 2025,” PPCS general manager Sarel Bloem says.
“We’re a family owned New Zealand company and we’re passionate about protecting the environment. That’s why we bought this truck and why we’ve just ordered an additional six electric vehicles. This means in the next few months 100% of the vehicles we use to service Wellington will be electric.”
Wellington mayor Justin Lester says the city has been installing EV chargers for residents’ use but needs to lead by example.
“That’s why we’re converting our own fleet to electric and I’m delighted that PPCS are joining us in this. This is about making our city cleaner for us and future generations.”
Climate change portfolio holder councillor David Lee says Wellington is continuing the journey to becoming a zero-carbon capital by 2050.
“We will only get there with help from companies like PPCS getting on board. I’d encourage other companies with large fleets to do the same.”
Climate Change minister James Shaw says it is important for New Zealand’s service fleet to convert to EVs.
“Unlike private vehicles, rubbish trucks, taxis and delivery vehicles are on the road most of the working day,” he says.
“The more of them that are electric the quicker we will be able to reach our emission reducing goals.”
The Manco SEA EV10 Electricat is based on a SEA Electric (NZ) SEA Drive system with the rest built by Auckland-based Manco Environmental.
Similar electric trucks are run by Civic Contractors in Auckland which has 200 vehicles it aims to switch to electric by 2025, and the Palmerston North City Council.
The trucks have a 120kW battery pack and 180km range and are recharged at their depots.
Article by Geoff Dobson, Transport Talk NZ, June 12 2019
