EV collection trucks take the stage at WasteExpo

Although they currently represent a small fraction of the waste and recycling trucks in current fleets, electric vehicle (EV) trucks will have a significant presence at the 2023 WasteExpo event taking place in the first week of May in New Orleans.

Minnesota-based McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing Inc. is displaying its Oshkosh brand fully integrated zero-emission electric refuse collection vehicle, which it says is the first in North America.

McNeilus says the EV is purpose-built with many driver-centric features, including active safety systems, a five-star direct visibility rating, 360-degree camera, object detection, streamlined controls with a 15-inch touchscreen display and, on average, 38 percent more space in the cab.

The firm's new EV truck will be shown to a broad audience for the first time at WasteExpo and says the Oshkosh-branded vehicle has been “built from the ground up [and] developed with technologies and design features that are protected by more than 50 patents and patent applications.”

“Bringing together Oshkosh’s experience in severe duty vehicle innovation and McNeilus’ expertise in refuse collection vehicle bodies, this new product platform will provide the best driver, technician and owner experience,” says Lee Dreas, vice president and general manager at McNeilus.

“Every aspect is unified, creating a vehicle that sets new standards of excellence. We look forward to showcasing this at Waste Expo and talking with customers about how it can take their business to the next level.” 

Also at WasteExpo, Ohio-based Battle Motors says it will be “proudly displaying its built-in-the-USA trucks and related technology.” That includes two of its battery electric vehicle (BEV) refuse and recycling trucks, which have been designed and engineered with input from longstanding truck manufacturer Crane Carrier Co., which Battle Motors acquired in 2021.

“Given the hyper-competitive nature of this industry and the major transitions underway, we’re very proud of the fact that Battle Motors has opened a new lane as a true innovator and solutions provider,” Battle Motors CEO Michael Patterson says. “The trucks we’re showing at Waste Expo may have different power trains, but every chassis is best-in-class and features options like ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems), flat screens and real-time data networks that are the reason we are reshaping the industry.” 

Battle Motors says the waste industry is suitable for EV trucks, noting “typical routes are not extensive—averaging 100 miles per day—with the Battle Motors EV trucks returning to the yard and chargers at the end of each day.”

Another WasteExpo exhibitor, the Indiana-based Autocar LLC business unit of Alabama-based GVW Group, is displaying its first fully integrated EV refuse truck at WasteExpo.

The company says its E-ACX EV model “is a proven refuse truck platform and with an electric powertrain.” The E-ACX is powered by dual electric motors and has been designed to deliver torque “that will challenge any current internal combustion engine in the refuse space.”

“The E-ACX features a 420-kilowatt-hour battery pack that is thermally managed for heating and cooling, providing a vehicle platform that performs to its best in relentless operating conditions,” says Dion van Leeve, Autocar vice president. “We have developed an integrated, severe-duty solution that is relentless and is built to get the toughest jobs done with performance and efficiency.”

Autocar's EV model is configured with a RevAMP automated sideload body from Tennessee-based Heil Environmental that features an electric arm and potent auger-style compactor [that] is integrated with Autocar's Power of One engineering.

"This innovative refuse truck design from Autocar is truly revolutionary," the company says.