Republic leads charge with first EV in California county

Republic Services Inc., Phoenix, a leader in the environmental services industry, and the city of Santa Ana launched the company’s first electric collection vehicle (EV) in Republic’s California fleet.

An industry first for Orange County, this automated side-load (ASL) electric collection truck has been collecting recyclables from residents throughout Santa Ana since June 13.

“This electric collection vehicle is an important step toward becoming a greener and more environmentally sustainable city,” Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua says. “I applaud Republic Services for their investment in this new technology and for making Santa Ana the first California agency to see this truck providing service on its streets.”

The zero-emission 520EV, which Republic says was manufactured by Peterbilt, Denton, Texas, and McNeilus, Dodge Center, Minnesota, will provide cleaner, quieter operations than diesel trucks and can service an entire route—approximately 1,200 homes—on a single charge with the help of regenerative braking. The truck fully charges in four hours overnight when energy demand is lower and is ready to begin service the following morning.

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Peterbilt, a Paccar nameplate, says the 520EV supports the Republic’s goal to achieve a 35-percent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030.

“Peterbilt leads the industry with high-performance, zero emissions vehicles and is proud to deliver this model 520EV to Republic Services,” says Jason Skoog, Peterbilt general manager and vice president of Bellevue, Washington-based Paccar. “We are committed to supporting our customers as they integrate electric vehicles into their fleets and enable them to perform the same daily work while reducing emissions.”
Peterbilt says it has a dedicated team available to help identify the best EV configuration for customer operations, locate available incentives and help choose from the wide selection of PACCAR chargers and infrastructure solutions.

Republic Services says it already operates a low-emission renewable natural gas fleet in Santa Ana, and the new EV will further support the city’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The hauler has EVs in operation Idaho and North Carolina, as well, and by 2028, the company estimates that half of its new truck purchases will be EVs.