Electra repower scheme delivers fully electric refuse fleet
Electra Commercial Vehicles Ltd has successfully unveiled the first vehicles in a major fleet electrification programme in partnership with Lewes District and Eastbourne Borough Councils.
The project will see a total of 26 refuse collection vehicles transitioned to zero-emission operation, including 20 existing diesel vehicles repowered with electric drivetrains and six new chassis fitted with refurbished bodies.
By repurposing existing assets, the programme provides a significantly more cost-effective alternative to purchasing new electric vehicles, says Electra, while accelerating the transition to zero-emission operations.
Each repowered vehicle undergoes a full refurbishment process, including structural reinforcement, new wiring looms, upgraded hydraulics, and the integration of a complete electric drivetrain. The result is a fully electric refuse collection vehicle designed for demanding, real-world use.
The vehicles are engineered to operate for multiple days on a single charge, Electra adds, with battery systems that deliver consistent performance throughout the year.
This approach is said to offer several key benefits: namely reduced capital expenditure compared to new vehicle procurement, lower ongoing running and maintenance costs, and immediate environmental impact through reduced emissions.
The first vehicles were unveiled to Lewes District Council in March, marking a significant milestone in the project.
“This programme with Lewes District Council shows what’s possible when innovation and collaboration come together to deliver real-world electrification at scale,” said Ben Smith, managing director at Electra Commercial Vehicles Ltd.
Cllr Wendy Maples commented: “The newly re-powered collection vehicles look brilliant and will deliver real benefits for residents, including lower emissions and a safer operating environment.”
Electra Commercial Vehicles reports that it is seeing increasing demand for repower solutions as fleet operators seek practical, scalable pathways to decarbonisation.
