A NEW 'zero emission' electric bin-lorry has been trialled in Kingston upon Thames with the hope that it could one day provide a cleaner and greener collection fleet for the borough.

The futuristic van weighs 26-tonnes and is powered by lithium-ion batteries rather than diesel.

It has been designed for urban environments with short routes and can complete an entire shift on one charge.

The move comes as Kingston Council seeks feedback on its new Climate Emergency Plan.

The authority aims to have net-zero carbon emissions by 2038.

Kingston Council recently developed a new commissioning framework requiring suppliers to deliver carbon reductions alongside other social benefits.

The new e-collection vehicle was trialled last month by Veolia, the Council's waste and recycling contractor.

Veolia's South London Waste Partnership General Manager Scott Edgell said: "Electric Refuse Collection Vehicles (eRCVs) can help create cleaner, greener and quieter communities whilst also continuing to deliver the same high-quality service.

"This trial emphasises our commitment to help reach Kingston Council's net-zero carbon target by 2038, and offers a pilot for lowering carbon emissions in our RCVs across all of the South London Waste Partnership boroughs of Croydon, Kingston, Merton and Sutton."

Councillor John Sweeney, Portfolio Holder for Business and Leisure at Kingston Council, said: "We're really pleased to have been part of this trial - the council and its partners in the South London Waste Partnership are constantly exploring ways to provide essential services while minimising the impact on the environment.

"Earlier in the year, Kingston Council introduced electric vehicles for the borough's Estate Services and Community Library teams, and is looking at how it can green more of

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