Ripon firm Econ launches first electric gritter

Ripon firm Econ Engineering is launching its first electric gritter at a trade show in Harrogate today.

The Electric Quick Change Body has a demountable bodywork, which enables the vehicle to switch from gritting to tipping in 15 minutes.

Econ’s research and development team worked with Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland and truck dealer Crossroads to create the prototype, which is built on a 19-tonne Volvo FE Electric 4×2 chassis.

Jonathan Lupton, managing director at Econ, which is the UK’s leading manufacturer of winter maintenance and highways vehicles, said:

“We have spent a long time developing the new E-QCB, undertaking comprehensive redesigns and trialling it, to ensure that we can offer a fully electric solution for our customers that can be used all-year round.

“The vehicle operates best in urban environments, where daily mileage is typically less than some longer distance motorways or rural routes.

“As it is easy to switch body types with this model, customers can benefit from operating the vehicle all year-round.”

Econ electric gritter

Econ supplies gritters to many local authorities, which are increasingly demanding green vehicles to meet zero-emission targets.

The gritter will be unveiled today on the Econ stand at the two-day winter highway maintenance conference Cold Comfort 2023 at Harrogate Convention Centre.

Christian Coolsaet, managing director of Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland, said:

“Every part of the transport sector needs to have its sights set on achieving net zero, and gritting and snowploughing is no exception.

“The team at Econ has developed an exceptional new product with our FE Electric chassis at its heart; this is going to allow gritter fleets to reap the benefits of operating cleaner, quieter and more efficient trucks.”

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Electric-powered gritters coming to Harrogate district roads

Two gritters powered by electricity are to join North Yorkshire’s winter fleet to save money and reduce carbon emissions.

The North Yorkshire County Council-owned company NY Highways has bought the gritters, which are supplied by Dorking-based Bucher Municipal.

According to the council, the vehicles have an anticipated fuel saving of up to 20 per cent compared to standard, diesel-powered gritters. It said in a media release:

“The gritting bodies which deploy the salt will run on an electric battery that can charge in just over 30 minutes. The battery will be able to do multiple runs before needing to be recharged.”

North Yorkshire has a 5,753-mile network of roads. The council’s winter gritting programme to maintain key routes lasts from October to April.

Keane Duncan

Cllr Keane Duncan

Cllr Keane Duncan, the council’s executive member for highways and transportation, said:

“The electric-bodied gritters are a first for the council’s winter service delivery.

“Innovation is high on our agenda and it is another way we are showing our commitment to achieving net carbon neutrality by 2030.

“The two gritters don’t have any hydraulics which mean there’s less chance of mechanical failure. This increased reliability is vital when we are against the clock trying to deliver the best winter service that we can.”

Picture shows: From left, Andrew Park and Chris Mitchell of Bucher Municipal, Nigel Smith, head of highway operations at North Yorkshire County Council, Rory Hanrahan and Craig Winter of NY Highways, and Mike Francis, operations manager at NY Highways.

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