First all-electric garbage truck in California

The city of Sacramento in California just took delivery of its first all-electric garbage truck this week.

The vehicle’s powertrain was built by Motiv Power Systems – the same company that builds plug-in hybrid powertrains for the Ford F-150, reports Electrek.

Motiv chief executive Jim Castelaz says the value of the City of Sacramento’s zero-emission ERV goes beyond lower fuel and maintenance costs.

“Reducing the amount of diesel-fuelled refuse trucks in the city keeps communities safer from toxic diesel emissions. And, in addition to being cleaner, it’s a quieter alternative to conventional trucks – a definite plus for those of us who appreciate peaceful mornings.”

The city expects to save 6000 gallons of fuel per year with the vehicle.

Mark Stevens, fleet manager for the City of Sacramento says it has a very pro-active sustainability policy, showcased by being voted the number one Government Green Fleet in North America in 2013.

“Reducing harmful vehicle emissions in the Sacramento region is a primary focus of our sustainability policy, and the most effective way to achieve that goal is to implement electric vehicles into our fleet.

“We are excited to partner with Motiv Power Systems to design and build the first all-electric left hand automated refuse truck in North America. The City of Sacramento intends to prove that all-electric refuse trucks are the future of the industry, and we anticipate igniting that trend.”

A few companies saw the advantages and they are bringing to market all-electric garbage trucks, like BYD, who recently unveiled a 3.9-ton battery-powered truck capable of traveling 160 kilometres on electric range.

Some hybrid garbage trucks have already been deployed, like those made by Wrightspeed, which was founded by New Zealand born Tesla co-founder Ian Wright.