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.”
