On the bustling streets of Salford, a quiet revolution is humming along—literally. As of November 14, 2025, Salford City Council has rolled out its first all-electric refuse truck, and the results are turning heads across the UK’s fleet sector. According to Fleet News, the leading voice in the industry with an 83% market share as of July 2025, this 27-tonne Mercedes-Benz eEconic isn’t just keeping up with its diesel counterparts—it’s leaving them in the dust.
The journey to this breakthrough began with a challenge: could an electric heavy goods vehicle (HGV) handle the relentless, stop-start demands of urban refuse collection? Skeptics pointed to the need for constant power to operate bin lifts and waste compactors, arguing that battery technology wasn’t up to the task. But Salford’s experience is rewriting the script.
After an extensive evaluation, the council’s new eEconic has not only met expectations but dramatically exceeded them. The truck returns from its daily rounds—sometimes covering up to 60 miles and hauling three loads totaling 30 tonnes—with as much as 60% battery capacity to spare. On his longest day, HGV driver and trainer Anthony Kearns reported, “When I travel 60 miles and take three loads totaling 30 tonnes, it still has 36% battery left after seven hours.” For Kearns and his colleagues, any initial doubts about range or reliability have been firmly put to rest.
The new electric truck hasn’t just won over the drivers; it’s become the most coveted ride at the depot. Kearns shared, “It’s second to none compared to other vehicles we’ve tried. Other drivers keep telling me, ‘No wonder you like driving this – it’s like a Rolls-Royce of bin trucks!’” That’s high praise in a field where comfort and reliability can make all the difference during long shifts on city streets.
But this isn’t just a feel-good story about new tech. The eEconic’s deployment follows a rigorous, competitive tender and trial process. Alan Fitzsimons, Transport Manager at Salford City Council, explained the decision: “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.” That spare capacity—ranging from 40% to 60% upon returning to the depot—translates directly into operational flexibility and peace of mind for the council and its crews.
With a class-leading operational range of 150 kilometers for refuse operations and a gross vehicle weight of 27 tonnes (just one tonne more than its diesel equivalent), the eEconic is proving that the payload penalty often cited in electrification debates has been minimized. In real-world terms, the truck is collecting over 1,200 bins per day as a fully integrated part of Salford’s 36-strong refuse fleet.
For the people behind the wheel, the transformation is about more than just numbers. The switch to electric power has dramatically improved the working environment. “It’s much quieter than a diesel, cooler in summer, and smoother to drive,” said Kearns. “It’s a real pleasure for city streets.” The reduction in noise, vibration, and heat isn’t just a luxury—it’s a key factor in reducing driver fatigue, which is critical for safety in busy residential areas.
Innovative features like regenerative braking and a pre-heat function are making a tangible difference, too. Regenerative braking allows the truck to recapture energy during the constant acceleration and deceleration of a refuse route, effectively extending its range and reducing wear on the brakes. Meanwhile, the pre-heat function means the cab can be warmed up while the truck is still plugged in, so drivers start their shift in comfort without draining the battery.
This leap in technology is also prompting a strategic rethink in how Salford manages its fleet. Fitzsimons was candid about the shift: “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.” The eEconic is now the flagship of this new approach, which prioritizes total cost of ownership and long-term reliability over the lowest upfront price.
The economics are compelling. While the initial outlay for an electric HGV is higher, the council expects to reap significant savings over the truck’s ten-year operational life—extended from the previous seven years. Lower fuel costs, reduced maintenance, and the promise of greater reliability all feed into a business case that supports Salford’s ambitious net-zero emissions target by 2038. The truck itself, emblazoned with a special ‘Lest We Forget’ livery for Armed Forces week, is a visible symbol of the council’s commitment to both sustainability and community values.
The industry has taken notice. The Mercedes-Benz eEconic earned Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK the ‘Innovator of the Year’ title at the Fleet Vision International Awards 2025, a nod to its success in one of the most demanding urban applications out there. Heiko Selzam, Managing Director of Daimler Truck UK, commented, “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’s “Rolls-Royce” of bin trucks is more than just a local success story; it’s a powerful data point for fleet operators nationwide. The eEconic’s stellar performance challenges the old narrative that electric power isn’t up to the toughest jobs. For councils wrestling with how to meet climate targets without sacrificing service, Salford’s experience offers a compelling answer.
As the UK’s fleet sector watches closely, the message from Salford is clear: the electric transition for heavy-duty, urban vehicles isn’t a matter of if, but when. And if you ask the drivers, they’ll tell you—the future is already here, and it’s a lot quieter than you might expect.
