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Zero-Emission Electric Jetter is the UK’s First in Operation
London-based drainage firm Kwik Jet is the first UK contractor to put Rioned’s eCityJet into daily operation. The family business has been a long-term user of Rioned jetting machines and the acquisition of a new electric van-pack jetter is a huge step towards achieving the company’s sustainability objectives.
On a crisp January morning at the Duke of York Square in Chelsea, the Kwik Jet engineers are carrying out routine drain maintenance work for Cadogan Estates. The firm has been operating in Central London for the past 30 years - its core work maintaining the drain networks for some of West London’s most prestigious property management companies.
This morning the team have a routine drain clean to do. It’s much like any other day for engineers Gary and Aaron but today they are using the new all-electric van pack jetter under the attentive eye of Managing Director Michael Morris.
Michael explains the decision to purchase an eCityJet rather than a conventional diesel jetter: “Our clients expect the best equipment and we’ve always invested in the latest technology for the business. We’ve worked with Rioned since the start and we’re excited to be the UK's first to operate the eCityJet.”
Michael admits when he first heard about Rioned’s electric van-pack, he was sceptical about the capability of a batteries to handle the daily workload. A visit to Rioned’s base in Thetford in March 2021 convinced Michael and his partners, sons Morgan and James, that the eCityJet was fit for purpose and would help the business achieve its ambitious sustainability goals.
“We aim to have an all-electric fleet by 2030 and feel the use of electric vehicles and machines is the way forward for the drainage sector,” he says. “We’ve also been keeping tabs on the technology progress within the commercial vehicle industry and aim to use electric vehicles as soon as is feasible.”
“While 2030 is eight years away, in reality, these measures will likely need to be in place in five years. We want to be ahead of the curve.”
“Working in partnership with our clients is more important than ever, and we share Cadogan’s long-term commitment to a sustainable environment.”
Cadogan owns and manages over 93 acres of commercial and residential property and public spaces in Chelsea and Knightsbridge. The estate has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, signing the Better Building Partnership Climate Change Commitment to make a positive contribution towards a sustainable environment and protect the area’s unique heritage and its community.
To this end, Cadogan has proactively engaged with suppliers regarding their environmental performance; sharing best practices and supporting them in the development and implementation of emissions reduction strategies.
Kwik Jet has been one of its long-term suppliers, maintaining the drains and sewers across the estate’s vast property portfolio. Alongside routine work, the firm undertakes surveys, plumbing projects and is on call 24/7 to respond to any drainage emergencies.
Michael Morris has been based in and around Chelsea for most of his working life and says that operating in this area of West London brings unique responsibilities: “Whilst Covid has certainly interrupted progress, green initiatives are utmost in our client’s plans and we’re a part of that. Cadogan is a fantastic company to work for and we’ve had a very positive response to the new jetter.”
Kwik Jet engineer Gary Moore has been operating the eCityJet for just over a week and has been particularly impressed with the battery power: “We’ve been doing four or five jobs a day for the past week and the machine is still about 46% charged. We haven't needed to recharge it as yet.”
“I would say it’s very similar to using a diesel jetter, minus the noise. You also sometimes get complaints about the fumes from the diesel exhaust, but the new machine doesn’t produce any.”
The eCityJet utilises six highly-efficient lithium-ion 5kWh batteries to power an electric motor and pump producing a standard 3000psi @13gpm pressure and flow. With comparable performance to that of diesel-driven machines, the jetter produces zero emissions and is virtually noiseless in operation.
The feature-rich machine includes Rioned’s innovative eControl+ machine management system and RioMote remote control unit for enhanced single-person operations. The HP hose reel swivels 180º, with winding in and out also electrically controlled, though without the use of hydraulic fluid to further reduce environmental impact.
A low dry weight of approximately 690kg means it can be installed in most 3.5t commercial vehicles, including electric vans such as the eVito Tourer.
Mark Cox, Sales Director at Rioned UK, is delighted to see the eCityJet out in the field: “As with all new technology, you expect some early misgivings from customers in the sector. Talking to Michael and the team today and seeing how well the eCityJet is performing in operation is the ideal endorsement and it’s been great to work with them on this exciting project.”
As the team packs up to move on to the next job at one of Knightsbridge’s most exclusive stores, Michael reflects on the task just completed: “I must say, we are very impressed with the eCityJet’s performance so far when compared to our previous van-packs. As the switch to renewable energy continues, this type of machine will become essential for use within the city centres where strict emission requirements apply.”
It's great to see Kwik Jet leading the way.
More information about the eCityJet
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