- Biffa with Lunaz partner for World EV Day™ to convert 10 diesel refuse trucks to electric powertrains, aiming to cut emissions by 50% by 2030.
- Real-world testing in urban areas like Milton Keynes and Manchester confirms the success of upcycled electric refuse trucks.
- Biffa’s sustainability efforts include adopting 120 electric vehicles, resulting in annual savings of 1,600 CO2e emissions.
The partnership will see Lunaz transition a significant proportion of Biffa’s Fleet over 7 years
Biffa is the UK’s leading player in sustainable waste management sector. This World EV Day™, they’re taking a significant step towards decarbonisation by partnering with commercial EV specialists, Lunaz. Together, they will convert ten diesel refuse trucks into upcycled electric powertrains.
This strategic move is part of Biffa’s overarching commitment to slash emissions by 50% by the year 2030. This reinforces their remarkable 70% reduction in emissions since 2002. Furthermore, Biffa is steadfast in their aim to cease purchasing fossil-fueled trucks altogether by 2030.
The collaboration with Lunaz, solidified in April 2023, follows a rigorous real-world testing phase. The testing spanned major urban centres like Milton Keynes and Manchester. These converted trucks seamlessly navigated domestic and commercial routes alongside their conventional diesel counterparts.
Throughout this testing phase, the focus was squarely on evaluating the electric powertrain and battery performance. The testing provided invaluable operational feedback from both crews and fleet managers. This has provided essential insights into the electric trucks’ functionality.
The wider picture
Biffa’s dedication to decarbonising their fleet is part of a broader commitment to the Paris Agreement’s goals. That means they’re joining the battle to cap global warming at less than 2°C by 2050. The company has already incorporated 120 electric and Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil vehicles into its fleet.
Maxine Mayhew, Biffa COO Collection & Specialist Services, said:
“The streets of Milton Keynes and Manchester provided a challenging real-world test for the Lunaz UEVs, and I’m pleased to say they passed with flying colours. Our drivers and operatives were seriously impressed with how the trucks performed and the successful trial means we can now move forward with our initial order of 26-tonne upcycled UEVs, saving up to 210 tonnes in embedded carbon.
“This agreement represents a key milestone for Biffa highlighting progress towards our sustainability and decarbonisation goals. By working with Lunaz to meet our goal of buying no more fossil fuelled vehicles by 2030 while breaking the replace-with-new cycle, we are pioneering an approach in this industry.”
Biffa’s partnership with Lunaz marks a significant stride towards a greener future. Every converted diesel vehicle saves a remarkable 82% of embedded carbon. They offer both environmental benefits and substantial total cost of ownership savings.
“This is a landmark moment for Lunaz – the culmination of more than two years’ intensive development and comprising simulated and real-world testing for our upcycled electric refuse trucks. Seeing our trucks enter service with Biffa, the UK’s largest operator in the waste management sector, is irrefutable proof of their reliability, capability and durability, and a clear demonstration that electric power is both technically and commercially viable in this demanding application. It’s always seemed paradoxical, and frankly wrong, that diesel refuse trucks should themselves be thrown away at the end of their useful lives. We’re breaking that destructive replace-with-new cycle and making refuse trucks themselves part of the solution. Lunaz is proud to take out the rubbish.”
