Trucks
Trucks
Ever since the launch of electric trucks, garbage collection and waste management operators have been among the first adopters of the new technology. So why is this? What is it about waste management that makes it so suitable for electric trucks?
Waste management company HVC is responsible for collecting refuse in 52 municipalities across the Netherlands. In 2018, it took the decision to invest in electric trucks. Since then, it hasn’t looked back.
“Besides the fact that sustainability is important to us as a company, we're also doing it because more and more municipalities are introducing low-emission zones and zero-emission zones,” says Evert-Jan Plas, Fleet Manager, HVC.
Today, 20% of the company’s 400 vehicles are powered by electricity, and the nature of its business means that the transition has been relatively smooth. Having initially invested in a 150 kW charger for its depot, the company soon realized that 50 kW chargers were sufficient. “Range isn't an issue for us, as we only drive a maximum of 100 km a day. After work, the vehicles are parked for an average of 14 hours, which is more than enough to fully charge them.”
With a growing fleet of electric trucks, HVC can continue to collect garbage in the increasing number of low and zero-emission zones in its service area, while residents can now have their refuse collected without being disturbed by exhaust or noise. In fact, because of their low noise, HVC is looking into starting its collection services earlier than the usual 7:30am.
HVC is not alone – it is just one of a growing number of waste management companies that are investing in electric fleets. In fact, municipalities across the world are increasingly interested in what electric garbage trucks can contribute to their communities.
While range and payload remain challenges for many truck owners looking to transition to electric, these factors have less impact on garbage trucks because of their unique drive cycles. The nature of their work means they typically cover short distances at low speeds, with frequent stop-starts and lots of idling.
Exact estimates can vary across cities and regions, but in a single day a garbage truck can make more than 1000 stops while only covering around 200 km.[1] In terms of kilometers per liter of fuel, these drive cycles make garbage trucks among the least fuel-efficient on public roads.
Then there is the added challenge of working in densely populated areas, close to people’s homes, schools and healthcare facilities – areas more sensitive to noise and air pollution. Consequently, garbage trucks are often subjected to stricter regulations from municipalities and government authorities in terms of when and where they can operate. As is the case with HVC, the growing number of low-emission zones (LEZs) and zero-emission zones (ZEZs) that are being created are also increasingly restricting diesel-powered trucks in urban areas.
With low noise and zero tailpipe emissions, electric garbage trucks improve the quality of life in local communities, while continuing to provide an essential service.
While many truck owners can achieve significant cost savings by transitioning from diesel to electric, garbage trucks can potentially save more than most due to their comparatively high fuel consumption. In fact, their drive cycles are particularly well-suited for electric drivelines. Frequent stop-starts and braking – while detrimental to fuel consumption in a conventional diesel truck – can actually help recharge the battery through regenerative braking.
Range is also less of a challenge compared to other segments. The daily driving distances of most garbage trucks are well within the range of current electric models. In fact, even the slower, more cost-effective AC charging standard can be sufficient for the daily assignments of most garbage trucks. Driving predictable routes also makes it easier to implement top-up charging on route if needed. Overall, this mitigates many of the challenges around range and charging opportunities commonly faced by other electric truck owners.
Among the biggest beneficiaries of electric garbage trucks are the communities they serve. With zero tailpipe exhaust emissions and low noise, garbage and refuse can be collected with minimal impact on residents while improving the overall quality of life in the neighborhood.
For operators, electric garbage trucks’ low noise can mean extended operating hours such as early in the morning or later in the evening. Quieter, exhaust-free trucks also mean a better working environment for employees.
As cities and municipalities increasingly look to reduce their carbon footprints to meet stringent reduction targets, environmental impact is fast becoming a key criterion in municipal tenders for waste collection. Having an electric fleet is therefore a huge competitive advantage.
Garbage trucks’ unique drive cycles, including frequent stop-starts, low speeds and low mileage, make the segment ideal for electrification
With so many advantages, it’s no wonder that garbage collection is a growing segment for electric trucks. As things stand today, no other alternative fuel offers the same combination of both carbon reductions and low noise.
Learn more about Volvo Trucks’ range of electric vehicles suitable for garbage collection.
To learn more about electric trucks in general, you might be interested in:
● New trends and innovations in battery technology
● Why we should worry less about range anxiety
● Tips for investing in an electric truck
[1] Michael J. Coren, ‘The economics of electric garbage trucks are awesome’, Quartz, 21 July 2022, https://qz.com/749622/the-economics-of-electric-garbage-trucks-are-awesome
