Aberdeen-based waste and recycling specialist A&M Smith Recycling has introduced the first Renault Trucks electric skip loader to enter operation in Scotland, adding an 18-tonne Renault Trucks E-Tech D Wide to its fleet as the company's first fully-electric skip wagon.
The new 4x2 rigid, equipped with four battery packs and a Palfinger skip loader body, is based at the company's Bankhead Recycling Centre just south of Aberdeen. It is being deployed on local skip deliveries and collections throughout the city and surrounding area, serving residential, commercial and industrial customers.
The vehicle joins A&M Smith's 16-strong waste collection fleet and builds on a longstanding relationship with Renault Trucks. One of the company's longest-serving skip loaders, a Renault Trucks vehicle registered in 2012, only left the fleet last year.
Says Scott Smith, Owner of A&M Smith Recycling:
"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."
Built for local, back-to-base operations
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.
Says Scott Smith:
"Going into a customer's site with an electric truck provides visible evidence that we are investing in a cleaner operation."
Scott continued:
"The vehicle is quiet, easy to drive and well suited to the urban and local work we are using it for.
"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."
Supporting a wider electrification strategy
A&M Smith Recycling Services was established by Scott and Kerry Smith in 1994, at the inert landfill site business originally started by Scott's parents, Albert and Muriel Smith in 1972. Today, the family-owned company operates from bases in Aberdeen and Peterhead, providing waste collection, skip hire and recycling services across the region.
The E-Tech D Wide is the latest investment in a wider electrification programme at A&M Smith's main operating centre. The company already operates a 12-tonne electric forklift and has installed charging points for plug-in electric vehicles.
It is also progressing its plans for the installation of a one-megawatt wind turbine with battery storage, for the generating and storing of the energy required to power its vehicles, plant and equipment on site.
Building real-world electric truck experience
With the E-Tech D Wide now in daily operation, A&M Smith is building first-hand knowledge of electric truck energy consumption, charging and route planning. Its battery-electric driveline produces zero tailpipe emissions, while regenerative braking recovers energy during deceleration and returns it to the batteries.
The vehicle is backed by a three-year repair and maintenance package, providing additional cost and maintenance certainty as the company gains experience of operating its first electric HGV.
Renault Trucks experience and support
Renault Trucks' experience of putting battery-electric commercial vehicles into real-world operation played an important role in A&M Smith's purchasing decision.
Says Scott Smith:
"Renault Trucks has done a great deal of groundwork on electric vehicles and, in our view, is one of the leaders in terms of knowledge and practical experience.
"Keith and the team at Renault Trucks understand the product and the industry, and worked hard to find a commercial solution that enabled us to put this vehicle into operation. That support is especially important when you are investing in new technology for the first time."
Says Keith Johnston, Regional Business Manager, Renault Trucks UK:
"This is an important milestone for A&M Smith Recycling and Renault Trucks in Scotland. By matching the E-Tech D Wide to local, back-to-base work, Scott and his team have identified an operation where battery-electric technology can deliver clear practical and environmental benefits.
"A&M Smith is also considering the complete energy picture, including renewable generation, battery storage and charging infrastructure. That practical, long-term approach will be invaluable as the business builds its experience and considers further fleet electrification."
