Anchorage, Alaska, awarded grant to fund first electric garbage truck

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded Anchorage, Alaska, a $689,659 grant to help fund the city’s first electric garbage truck and medium-duty box truck. The grant will also help fund an innovative battery charging system.

The grant was announced as part of $139 million in federal funding for 55 projects across the country that will support new and innovative advanced vehicle technologies.

“This is really cool – Anchorage gets to demonstrate innovation and prove sustainability," said Mayor Ethan Berkowitz in a release. “And hopefully the results of this test will validate technology that has benefits across the state and Circumpolar North."

SWS is partnering with Canada-based eCamion Inc. to test an electric vehicle charging station which incorporates a large battery. The addition of a battery allows for a steady charge at a lower voltage which will reduce demand rates from electric utilities. This system will save the municipality money while still providing fast charging to electric trucks.

This innovative battery technology will be the first of its kind in the state. The Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP) will conduct a performance analysis of both trucks and the charging station so other fleets in Alaska and the world can learn from this pilot deployment.

“We are excited to be taking our first steps towards electrifying our garbage and recycling trucks, reducing our carbon footprint and improving the overall sustainability of the community," said SWS General Manager Mark Spafford.

The total cost for deploying the electric vehicles in Anchorage is $1.3 million. SWS is matching the grant with $660,000 in funding that would have gone toward diesel fuel-powered trucks and maintenance. The Alaska Energy Authority is providing $25,000 in matching funds to cover partial costs of an electric vehicle charging station.

The trucks will be deployed in Anchorage in 2021.