Liverpool Establishes Fleet Of 20 CNG-Powered Mercedes-Benz Econic NGT 2630 L Refuse Trucks To Reduce Emissions & Cut Fuel Costs

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The city of Liverpool recently established a fleet of 20 Mercedes-Benz Econic NGT (Natural Gas Technology) 2630 L refuse trucks. (Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz.)

The city of Liverpool recently purchased 20 Mercedes-Benz Econic NGT (Natural Gas Technology) 2630 L trucks that will form a biogas-powered refuse collection fleet. Each of the Econic refuse vehicles features a 7.7-litre, 222-kilowatt (298-horsepower) M936G engine that runs on compressed natural gas and an Allison six-speed automatic gearbox. The 6x2 trucks also have Faun Zoeller Variopress 10-tonne-capacity compactor bodies, rear steering axles, low-height cabs, a low seating position, panoramic windscreens, and Active Brake Assist 4 emergency braking, all of which make the Econic well-suited for urban operations.

Liverpool expects the fleet, which is powered by 100% renewable biomethane, to cover 150,000 miles (241,401.6 kilometres) per year and reduce nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide emissions by 90% and 80%, respectively. The city estimates the new trucks will reduce its fuel costs by up to 35% as well.

Confidence In The Econic

“These gas-powered trucks are much cleaner, and also quieter, than traditional refuse collection vehicles, so we’re confident they’ll make a real difference to the local environment,” says Harvey Mitchell, head of service for refuse and recycling at Liverpool Streetscene Services Ltd. “At the same time, they benefit from the very high levels of reliability, safety and user-friendly design that our older diesel-engined Econics have been delivering for years.”

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Each of the 6x2 Econics features a 7.7-litre, 222-kilowatt engine that runs on compressed natural gas. (Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz.)

Another Important Step

Establishing a CNG-powered fleet is part of Liverpool’s larger environmental initiative, which has the city on track to “meet its climate change targets three years ahead of schedule,” but Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson says there is still more to do. “Our investment in this new fleet of refuse vehicles is a great statement of intent in our goal to make Liverpool a cleaner and greener city. These safe and efficient vehicles give collection teams the right tools to ensure residents receive a reliable service,” Anderson says. “However, we still need residents to take action by reducing, reusing, and recycling their waste, if we are to hit our target of recycling more than 55% of the waste we collect.”

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