We’re currently living at a time where economies and sectors across the UK and the rest of the world are shifting to low carbon, to meet net-zero carbon commitments driven by the Paris Agreement. In order for greenhouse gas (GHG) emission levels to decrease, all sectors will need to embark on this transition.

However, the wider benefits of switching from fossil fuel based technologies to low carbon can be hard to quantify. So as part of our work on the Electric Refuse Collection (eRCVII) project, we set out to do just that. In addition to successfully repowering four end-of-life refuse vehicles to be fully electric, we conducted comprehensive research and analysis to compare the financial and environmental impact of three types of refuse vehicles: 

• A newly purchased electric;

• A newly purchased diesel; and 

• An end-of-life diesel re-powered to electric.

In collaboration with lowCVP, we were able to calculate impacts over the entire lifespan of the vehicles. 

Unlike standard business cases, we also monetised and compared the lifecycle costs of the environmental impacts (noise, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions), which were then incorporated into the overall financial business case, inclusive of the total cost of ownership. 

Today, we’re excited to publish the outcomes of this research in the Social & Environmental Business Case Report. This report helps local authorities and fleet providers take the most cost effective and sustainable approach when transitioning their fleets from diesel to electric. Unlike other similar and existing research, the costs and environmental emissions highlighted in this report are based on real-time data collected from the operation of the refuse vehicles, making this piece of research the first of its kind.  

Our work positively demonstrates that:

• Repowered diesel refuse vehicles have lower environmental impacts and lower total costs of operation, in comparison to buying a new diesel or electric refuse vehicle; and

• Environmental costs are much lower for the electric vehicle options. 

These findings further signify the benefits of low carbon innovations and the real economic benefits of reducing environmental impacts.  

By highlighting and clarifying the socio-economic business case benefits of repowering diesel refuse vehicles, we’re easing the decision making process for local authorities and relevant stakeholders when transitioning their fleets to net-zero.