• Salford City Council becomes one of the first UK councils to use a 27-tonne all-electric Mercedes-Benz eEconic refuse truck
• Class-leading operational range means eEconic refuse truck easily returns from its daily rounds with spare battery capacity, outperforming other models tested
• Driver feedback overwhelmingly positive: “It’s like the Rolls Royce of bin trucks!”
• Special ‘Lest We Forget’ livery honours the Armed Forces
• Innovative eEconic features include pre-heat function and regenerative braking
• Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK won Innovator of the Year in the Fleet Vision International Awards for the eEconic

Salford City Council is setting new standards for sustainable waste collection with the addition of its first all-electric refuse collection vehicle (RCV), a 27-tonne Mercedes-Benz eEconic.

The eEconic combines zero emissions with a high payload capacity similar to the diesel Econic and a class-leading operational range of at least 150km in refuse operations, making it ideal for the stop-start demands of urban refuse collection. These features won Mercedes- Benz Trucks UK the title of Innovator of the Year by the expert judges of the Fleet Vision International Awards 2025.

The eEconic was selected after an extensive evaluation programme when it completed daily rounds on a single charge and returned to the depot with 40–60% spare battery capacity, outperforming all other models tested by Salford City Council.

At 27 tonnes when fully loaded – only one tonne more than the typical 26-tonne diesel equivalent – the eEconic handles the intensive demands of refuse collection with ease, collecting over 1,200 bins per day as part of the council’s 36-truck fleet.

Alan Fitzsimons, Transport Manager at Salford City Council, said: “The Mercedes-Benz eEconic is leaps and bounds above the rest. During our demonstration period, it completed every route with battery range to spare, while competitors struggled to finish on a single charge. It is 100% electric, and the range and regenerative braking are excellent. It has surpassed all our expectations and we’re proud to lead the way in sustainable waste collection for Salford residents.”

“For cost reasons, we previously bought cheaper trucks, but experience has shown that quality and reliability matter. We have been gradually returning our fleet to Mercedes-Benz, adding around one new vehicle per year to serve Salford’s growing population,” he added.

Drivers have responded positively to the eEconic’s performance and comfort. Anthony Kearns, HGV driver and trainer at Salford City Council, said: “My biggest worry was whether it would complete the route, but on my longest day, when I travel 60 miles and take three loads totalling 30 tonnes, it still has 36% battery left after seven hours. It’s second to none compared to other vehicles we’ve tried, plus other drivers keep telling me, ‘no wonder you like driving this – it’s like a Rolls Royce of bin trucks.’”

Anthony also praised the cab’s comfort: “It’s much quieter than a diesel, cooler in summer, smoother to drive, and a real pleasure for city streets. The pre-heat function and regenerative braking make a real difference, ensuring the battery lasts while keeping the cab comfortable.”

The eEconic features a special ‘Lest We Forget’ livery for Armed Forces week, demonstrating Salford City Council’s commitment to honouring military service while embracing sustainable technology.

Heiko Selzam, Managing Director of Daimler Truck UK, said: “The positive feedback from Salford City Council shows that all-electric trucks can deliver more than sustainability benefits. The eEconic provides excellent range, quieter operation, and better working conditions for drivers, proving electric refuse trucks are ready for real-world urban use.”

Salford City Council is targeting net-zero by 2038 through natural fleet replacement where possible. Refuse trucks typically have a ten-year operational life, improved from the previous seven-year cycle, reducing maintenance and downtime while supporting the council’s sustainability goals.

Ends

About Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK
Mercedes-Benz Trucks offers a comprehensive range of trucks from 7.5 to 250 tonnes. The eActros 600 represents the company's commitment to sustainable transport solutions and the eEconic provides an equally sustainable solution for councils, waste companies and construction companies proving Mercedes-Benz quality with zero-emission technology for all industries.
www.mercedes-benz-trucks.com

For more information, please contact:
Nick Ford, PR & Communications Manager, Daimler Truck UK
Email: nick.ford@daimlertruck.com
Mobile: 07712 235962

John Rawlings, Account Director, Loop
Email: john.rawlings@loopagency.co.uk
Mobile: 07847 371436