Grundon Adds Four Electric Waste Collection Trucks
Grundon Waste Management has expanded its battery-electric vehicle fleet with four DAF XD FAN 270 Electric 6x2 rigid trucks featuring rear-steer axles and specialized Dennis Eagle bodies for commercial waste collection. This delivery marks the company's largest order of battery-electric trucks to date, bringing its commercial electric waste fleet to ten vehicles, alongside one battery-electric tractor unit from another manufacturer.
The new trucks will operate from Grundon’s base in Colnbrook, near Slough, covering routes across Greater London. They are equipped with batteries offering 420 kWh of installed capacity, approximately 370 kWh of usable energy, and a claimed range of over 200 miles (322 kilometers). According to the company, the XD Electric’s five-star Direct Vision Standard rating was a key factor in the purchasing decision, as it ensures compliance with London’s safety requirements for heavy goods vehicles.
This investment is part of Grundon’s broader electrification strategy. Since 2023, the company has put five repowered electric waste collection vehicles into service. Additionally, it introduced an electric truck from another manufacturer to evaluate different technologies before committing to a larger-scale purchase.
"We began our foray into electric vehicles by deciding to retrofit some of our existing five-star-rated chassis, as we perceived that OEMs were not yet fully prepared in this area. We strive to remain at the forefront of technology and regulatory compliance," said Stephen Townsend, Group Fleet Engineer at Grundon Waste Management. "Once operations began, the learning process began as well." In addition to acquiring refurbished vehicles, one of the first new models manufactured by a competing OEM was purchased to serve as a benchmark.
According to Townsend, the initial proposal was to acquire a single DAF XD Electric. "After presenting the option of acquiring an electric vehicle to the company and suggesting the XD Electric chassis, the board asked us to order four vehicles," the spokesperson explained. "Consequently, a significant investment has been made in electric vehicles fitted with commercial waste collection bodies. This decision has proven to be highly successful so far."
Grundon charges the new trucks using electricity generated at its own waste-to-energy plant. The charging area is located approximately 500 meters from the plant and is connected via an existing 6 MW power cable.
According to the company, the facility has the potential to generate up to 38 MW of electricity, while its current operations consume only about 2% of that output. Grundon has stated that it has invested over £700,000 in charging infrastructure and the necessary electrical upgrades, and plans to expand its electric fleet with five additional DAF XD Electric trucks equipped with lower-capacity battery packs. These vehicles are expected to enter service as part of waste collection operations.
Escrito por José Miguel Fernández Gómez.
