Biffa and vehicle electrification and upcycling business Lunaz have partnered to replace the diesel engines in its trucks with electric alternatives.
In signing a fleet electrification and upcycling agreement, Lunaz has committed to supporting the transition of Biffa’s existing diesel refuse trucks over the next decade to clean-air electric powertrains through its proprietary upcycling and electrification process and technology.
Biffa says the process ensures older vehicles are upcycled instead of scrapped as the waste management organisation transitions its fleet to “zero-emissions powertrains”. It continues that the British companies are working together to create an “innovative solution” for the transition of large vehicles to electric vehicles (EV) to reduce emissions and tackle climate change.
The company expects the multi-year production programme to see growing numbers of vehicles delivered to Biffa over the mid-term – with an initial order of up to ten 26-tonne Upcycled Electric Vehicle (UEV) refuse trucks saving up to 210 tonnes in embedded carbon.
Biffa says Lunaz’s base in Silverstone, England can up-cycle more than 1,110 industrial vehicles every year. The company has already committed to expanding its UK up-cycling and electrification footprint to meet increased demand for electrified vehicles in the run-up to the 2030 ban on the sale of fossil-fuelled vehicles.
We are proud to assist in delivering Biffa’s sustained commitment to leading the waste management industry’s transition to net zero.
Following the successful completion of technical trials and due diligence, Biffa says the first deliveries will take place for operations on UK refuse collection routes in 2023. The UEV refuse trucks will operate on both commercial and municipal waste collection routes.
Biffa says the vehicles’ procurement represents a “significant saving” for the taxpayer, stating that more than £1 million is saved in public money for every 20 vehicles upcycled and electrified versus buying new EV equivalents.
David Lorenz, Founder & CEO of Lunaz, commented on the partnership: “Biffa has led from the front in pioneering more sustainable waste management practices here in the UK. At Lunaz, we are proud to assist in delivering Biffa’s sustained commitment to leading the waste management industry’s transition to net zero.
“By embracing the power of upcycling as a dramatically more sustainable course to the transition to a clean air fleet, Biffa delivers economic value to its stakeholders while delivering a great ecological dividend to the planet. By finding new life for diesel-emitting vehicles, we are delighted to stand together with a leading UK company in creating the potential to reduce global emissions at scale.”
