A vehicle development company backed by David Beckham has announced plans to roll out new 'zero emissions' electric bin lorries in Buckinghamshire. 

Lunaz, a vehicle development company founded five years ago by ex-Renault Formula 1 technical director Jon Hilton and David Lorenz, has partnered with waste management company Biffa to create a sustainable alternative to diesel bin lorries as part of an effort to cut carbon emissions produced by local authorities across the UK. 

Investors in Lunaz include David Beckham and Jack Whitehall, and the 'refurbished' electric waste trucks are comprised of donor vehicles and parts - providing a more eco-friendly alternative to a brand-new electric truck. 

Buckinghamshire will be one of the first areas across the country to implement the scheme, which is projected to save taxpayers over £1 million for every 20 vehicles upcycled and electrified per local authority, with a spokesperson confirming that the new bin lorries would arrive in the county next year.

Gareth Williams, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, said: “We’ve been really excited to work with Lunaz on this project exploring how to ‘upcycle’ our waste fleet to provide greener electric waste vehicles and save money for our residents by avoiding the cost of purchasing brand new electric bin lorries.

“We are looking forward to receiving out first ‘upcycled’ electric waste truck in early 2024.”

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Lunaz's website states that the scheme was born from an aim of scrapping existing diesel bin lorries in favour of a fleet of "zero-emissions powertrains", with plans to roll out over 200 lorries over the next twelve months.

On November 14, Buckinghamshire Council released a report showing that a 73.4 per cent reduction in carbon emissions had been achieved this year compared to 1990, building on the 70 per cent reduction reported last year and with a target of net zero by 2050. 

Speaking last month, Mr Williams said: “This substantial carbon emissions reduction demonstrates our commitment and tangible progress towards fighting climate change in Buckinghamshire.

“Our commitment is long-term, and we will keep pursuing substantial emissions reductions in the years ahead through steps like electrifying our fleet vehicles, rolling out up to £500,000 of energy efficiency upgrades to homes not connected to the gas grid, and continuing with our ambitious tree planting efforts.”