Imagine driving through the breathtaking landscapes of Norway, where the only sounds are the serene whispers of nature. In the Bucher FlexLine C100e, engine noise fades away, allowing you to glide almost silently through your surroundings.
G-Miljøs Fleet Creates the Solutions of the Future
At G-Miljø in Norway, part of VA365, sustainability and efficiency are core values in their work with water and drainage, hazardous waste, and dry cleaning. With a fleet of 110 vehicles and 250 employees, they manage both small and large-scale projects across the country. Their equipment is carefully chosen to ensure an efficient workday for both drivers and daily operations. Ole Kristian Qvale, Director of VA365, and Geir Havn, Founder and General Manager of G-Miljø, are keenly aware of market demands and the shared responsibility for the green transition.
"The growing emphasis on the green transition, especially in heavy industry and transport, has created a pressing need to reduce CO₂ emissions. Electric vehicles are one of the most obvious solutions. We chose to invest in a Bucher FlexLine C100e because we see it as essential to meet future requirements, particularly in competing for public contracts, where environmental considerations are becoming increasingly significant."
Challenging Climate and Terrain
Norway's geographical location presents unique challenges, with significant temperature fluctuations that demand robust and reliable equipment. For G-Miljø, it is essential that their fleet performs optimally under these conditions. Equally important is ensuring their facilities prioritize environmental considerations and driver well-being. With a major project ahead, primarily carried out in tunnels, air quality often poses a challenge, impacting both the environment and employees' health. Additionally, the geographical location north of Oslo in Eastern Norway brings extreme cold, with temperatures plummeting to as low as -20°C, adding another layer of complexity to their operations.
The Solution is Electric
Finn Bjerglund, Area Sales Manager at Bucher Municipal Nordics, brings extensive experience with the Norwegian market. Together with Ole Kristian and Geir from VA365, they have ensured that no compromises were made with their Bucher FlexLine C100e, designed to handle extreme conditions. The vehicle is built on a Volvo FM 666 HP 6x2*4 chassis and equipped with a 540 kW battery pack, providing a range of up to 300 km, depending on the driving pattern.
The key features include
- Built with 4” cassette
- 150 m. 3/4” jetting hose
- Vacuum pump Jurop PVT 280 30.800 l/min
- Jetting pump Uraca P3-15 168 l/min @ 200bar
- 10 m3 tank capacity with movable piston
Responsible for both the environment and employees
The Bucher FlexLine C100e seamlessly combines efficiency, sustainability, and employee well-being, making it the ideal choice for demanding environments like tunnels. Equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, it fosters a healthier and more comfortable working environment while maintaining high operational efficiency. With zero emissions and minimal noise, the FlexLine C100e not only contributes to a cleaner environment but also significantly enhances working conditions. Reduced noise and vibration levels lower driver stress and fatigue, creating a more comfortable and healthier workday. "The charging network in Norway is relatively well developed," the team explains. "However, our new electric sewer cleaner will primarily be used for projects with short driving distances. We have planned operations to ensure access to plant power at most sites, making it easier to maintain consistent operation."
Robustness and reliability in cold climates
Built on an electric chassis, the system eliminates vibrations and diesel noise, providing a quieter and more comfortable experience for the driver. It is equipped with advanced technologies to ensure reliable operation in freezing conditions, including a frost protection system. A circulation pump and a 12 kW Webasto HVH 120 water heater maintain the flush water system frost-free in temperatures as low as -20°C. Additionally, the system provides heat to all storage compartments, ensuring tools, work clothes, and other items are kept safely warm and ready for use.
G-Miljø adapts to the future
While the benefits of electric vehicles are well-known to many private drivers, the industrial sector still has progress to make. With the Bucher FlexLine C100e, however, the advantages become quickly apparent. Low maintenance costs, fuel savings, and a long lifespan make it an obvious choice, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future. Kristian and Geir highlight several advantages of transitioning to electric operation: "Firstly, there are significant environmental benefits. As more cities introduce emission zones, reducing CO₂ and noise emissions becomes increasingly important. Then there are economic benefits, with lower long-term operating costs, as electricity is cheaper than diesel and electric motors require less maintenance than traditional internal combustion engines. With the electric sewer cleaner, we are ready to take the next steps toward a more sustainable future, both for ourselves and for our customers. The electrification of heavy vehicles is still in its early stages, and by investing now, we position ourselves ahead of competitors in both technology and environmental responsibility," Ole Kristian and Geir conclude.