Iveco Stralis Turns to Recycling With G&P Batteries

Waste battery collection and recycling specialist, G&P Batteries, has placed an order for six new Iveco Stralis rigids following a competitive tender involving six truck manufacturers. Each of the Stralis Active Time 6x2 rear-steer rigids will get curtainside bodywork by Saunders of Stapleton and Palfinger Crayler rear-mounted forklifts, to enable hassle-free loading at customer sites nationwide.

The vehicles will be in operation five days a week and are each expected to cover up to 60,000 miles a year.  They will carry out collections from sites ranging from car dealers and supermarkets to military bases and local authorities.

The Stralis is powered by a six-cylinder 7.8 litre Cursor 8 engine which is capable of producing up to 310 hp between 1,675 and 2,400 rev/min, and up to 1,300 Nm of torque between 1,200 and 1,675 rev/min.  The driveline package also includes a EuroTronic gearbox, offering drivers a choice between automatic and semi-automatic shifting.

“The deal-clincher was Iveco’s whole life costs and proven fuel economy.  Miles per gallon has always been a priority, but with the cost of diesel spiraling, it’s arguably more important now than ever before,” said John Kerr, Business Unit Manager at Darlaston-based G&P Batteries. “The Stralis wasn’t the cheapest truck, but when you factor in repair and maintenance costs over five years, plus the impressive fuel economy we know we can achieve from the Cursor 8 engine, the Stralis topped our shopping list.”

All collected batteries are taken to G&P Batteries’ headquarters in the West Midlands, where they are sorted into appropriate chemistries and then consolidated until optimum quantities have been collected for recycling.