The fully electric mini excavator has replaced an old diesel-powered version
as part of the council’s fleet electrification programme and commitment to a
greener city.
The excavator is the first of its kind at the council and adds to a diverse range
of electric vehicles and machines that the authority now operates. It will be
used for ground works and environmental maintenance.
The council has made a pledge to become carbon net zero by the end of
2028 and is currently undergoing fleet electrification to help meet this target.
Under the programme, the council has replaced a wide range of its old
diesel vehicles with electric ones.
These include vehicles in our Meals on Wheels service, environmental and
waste services, bereavement services, mayoral, parking services and
Wolverhampton Homes.
Others support children’s services, our travel unit, parks team, arboriculture
and countryside services. In total, the council has introduced 34 zero
emission vehicles and has installed 31 chargers in its depots.
Councillor Craig Collingswood, cabinet member for environment and climate
change, said: “We use vehicles across a wide range and number of our
services and it is important that we replace worn-out stock with cleaner,
greener alternatives.
“Our fleet electrification programme is an important part of our climate change
strategy which aims to significantly reduce our carbon emissions: not only will
the new vehicles help the environment, they are also cheaper to run than the
older diesel vehicles helping us to make savings.
“As the council works towards becoming net zero by the end of 2028, we
will continue to replace our diesel vehicles with electric ones. We will also
be building the infrastructure and staff knowledge we need to help us
provide the best service possible for our residents and deliver on our green
agenda.”
