Electrifying Refuse Fleets: What Fleet Managers Need to Know
By George Hobbs, Product Lead at VEV
Across the UK, momentum is building behind the electrification of refuse collection vehicles (RCVs). With over 300 local authorities having declared climate emergencies, and many setting bold net-zero targets, the pressure to act is growing.
But this isn’t just about hitting carbon goals – electrification offers operational benefits, cost savings, and a visible commitment to sustainability.
In this article we will establish:
- Almost every council could electrify at least 1 RCV today to start learning
- Vehicles operating between 40 and 100 mile routes could be TCO positive and ready to electrify dependant on energy, fuel and maintenance
- Real world experience beats any other form of expertise, so we recommend running a small pilot
If you’re a fleet manager wondering where to begin, here’s what you need to know.
The shift is underway
RCVs are more ready to electrify than initially thought and a high percentage could be TCO positive already. The waste industry represents one of the biggest untapped sources of tailpipe emissions that could be addressed with technology available today.
Many councils already have at least one or more electric RCV (eRCVs) in operation or on order with others starting to scope out their EV journey.
The case is clear
Electrifying a fleet of 15 RCVs could reduce tailpipe emissions by ~600 tonnes a year.
Additionally there’s also reputational value: an electric fleet is a highly visible signal of environmental leadership, helping councils and contractors build trust with residents while meeting public expectations.
Start small, learn fast
You don’t need to electrify your entire fleet at once.
In fact, the best way to begin is often with a trial – even a single vehicle can provide valuable data.
With the right support, you could have an electric RCV in service within 2–3 months. All it takes is a review of your data, understanding the required charging speed and selecting a vehicle. One of the best bits of advice I can give is to make sure you identify what your fleet “could” look like at 100% EV. Early decisions that are not future-proofed can end up costing many times their original investment later on.
Starting early is always better than starting late. Hands-on experience helps shape smarter decisions around routing, charging, and infrastructure – and allows internal teams to build confidence in the new technology.
Your depot might be more ready than you think
Many depots could already support a charging solution for 4-6 eRCVs without a grid upgrade, and some can go higher with the right smart charging strategy. Integrating vehicle charging with your building’s energy profile can unlock additional capacity, enabling you to charge more EVs when the buildings base load is lower.
One key advantage: RCVs typically return to base for long, predictable windows – often overnight. This gives you a generous charging window, making it easier to stagger loads and avoid peak-time tariffs.
That said, it’s vital to engage early with your Distribution Network Operator (DNO). Simple steps like reviewing your connection capacity can help avoid future delays. If upgrades are needed, adding solar power or battery storage can also reduce grid demand and speed up the process.
Design infrastructure for growth
Depot design matters. To minimise disruption, plan charging infrastructure with future expansion in mind. Avoid unnecessary underground cabling, locate chargers strategically, and consider phasing installation to match vehicle procurement.
Smart planning now can save time, money, and hassle down the line.
Looking ahead: smart tech and new services
New requirements such as food waste collection vehicles are prime for electrifying from the start. The right vehicle specifications are already available in the 7.5–12 tonne range, showing promising efficiency (0.5–0.6 miles per kWh). These vehicles can be TCO-positive when paired with the right energy tariff and charging strategy.
Electrifying your fleet isn’t just an environmental upgrade – it’s a strategic step toward lower costs, better operations, and public trust. Whether you’re ready for a full rollout or just starting with a pilot, there are practical, proven paths forward.
The key is to start small, start smart, and start now. The support is out there and your future fleet may be closer than you think.
Contact us to find out more.