When you think of electric vehicles, sleek, compact cars charging at futuristic home stations might come to mind. However, the future of EVs extends beyond personal use. Waste trucks are paving the path to eco-friendliness, thanks to initiatives by the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY). In September 2020, DSNY introduced a Mack LR electric truck as a trial. Its dependable performance, safety features, and driving comfort earned it high marks, encouraging regulators to consider wider adoption. While the concept of electric refuse trucks is still gaining traction, especially in California and Arizona, we’ll explore their pros and cons and take a closer look at the Volterra ZSL. At Haaker Refuse, we know that being future forward means understanding all aspects of developing technology. Understanding these aspects reveals why the Volterra ZSL is an ideal choice for modernizing your fleet.

The Downside First

Electric vehicles (EVs) are amazing for the environment, but only if they fit into your day-to-day operations. Imagine you’ve got a fleet that often hits the open road, rolling through remote areas where charging stations are as rare as a unicorn. That’s a real obstacle. Even though there are big pushes to expand the network of EV charging points, those far-off areas might be last in line.

Switching your fleet to electric isn’t cheap either. The initial cost can be a major hurdle. Think about this: an electric waste truck is priced between $500,000 and $600,000. That’s almost double the cost of a diesel truck. And even though electric trucks have similar load capacities, they need to save enough on maintenance and fuel down the line to justify that steep price tag.

Here’s another thing to ponder. The EV market is still young. You can’t just trade in your used electric refuse truck like you might with traditional ones. There’s no established market for these used vehicles yet, making resale value a big question mark. Until these options grow, going electric could be a leap of faith.

Benefits of EV Refuse Trucks

Gas-powered waste trucks stick to fixed routes, but they spend a lot of time collecting trash. This isn’t great for the environment as it worsens global warming and harms the air we breathe. Switching to electric refuse trucks could change that. These trucks don’t produce emissions from the tailpipe, so they keep greenhouse gases and air pollution in check. What’s more, if we charge them using renewable energy sources, we can cut down their environmental impact even more.

Electric trucks have a predictable stop-and-go routine, which makes overnight charging a breeze. Scott Barraclough from Mack Trucks compares it to simply plugging in your phone before bed. Plus, these trucks are 50% quieter than their traditional counterparts, meaning they can operate any time of day or night without unsettling the local peace and quiet.

Electric waste trucks also ditch the big combustion engines found in traditional models, freeing up space under the hood. This extra room, known as the “frunk,” can be used to carry more waste or tools. Without the need for a transmission system, the cabin also becomes roomier, providing extra space for the crew and their gear. Some might argue that the transition to electric requires infrastructure changes, but the long-term environmental and operational benefits seem to tip the balance in favor. So, what do you think? Are electric refuse trucks the new way forward for clean cities? The city of Madison, WI and Louisville, KY are among the first to expand to electric collection trucks and EV garbage & recycling fleets. 

The Volterra ZSL

Introducing the McNelius Volterra ZSL, North America’s pioneer in fully integrated electric waste trucks. It aims to provide an exceptional experience for drivers, technicians, and owners alike. It pushes the boundaries of innovation and sustainability, while also cutting total ownership costs by up to 14%. Certified as zero emission by both the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB), this vehicle sets a new standard.

Prioritizing driver comfort and safety, our design features a cabin that offers nearly 38% more space than the industry norm. With a flexible interior layout, a low 15-inch step, direct visibility, active safety features, and intuitive controls, it creates an ideal workspace for drivers.

A quieter truck might mean reduced pedestrian awareness, but the ZSL’s advanced driver assistance system addresses this. Standard in every McNeilus Volterra ZSL electric refuse truck and installed at the factory, this system includes blind-spot monitoring, a 360-degree camera view, collision alerts for the front and rear, parking assistance, a backup camera, rear cross traffic assist, lane departure warnings, and advanced emergency braking.

The McNeilus Volterra ZSL is designed to meet customer sustainability targets. Its features include an electrified drivetrain, e-axle setup, smart battery technology, and cooperative regenerative braking. This allows for a full day’s work on a single charge with zero emissions. Who knew so much good could go into hauling waste?

Electric Garbage Refuse Truck Dealer in California & Arizona

While transitioning to electric vehicles can present hurdles like increased upfront investment, the environmental and financial returns are undeniable- especially in sun drenched regions like Arizona and California. The Volterra ZSL is your best bet for efficiency and sustainability. Consider updating your fleet through Haaker Refuse for a smooth change. If you’re ready to contribute to a greener tomorrow, reach out to Haaker Refuse by calling us at (909) 598-2706 or message us directly today.