Waste disposal trucks go EV

US-based waste disposal truck manufacturer Curbtender is partnering with electrification specialist XL Fleet to develop a new line of pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

It is among the latest in an array of new environmentally friendly entries into the waste transport industry, which are being driven by an increasing interest in – and growing requirements for – low-emissions solutions and decarbonisation.

XL Fleet, based in Boston and specialising in electrifying commercial vehicle fleets, will supply Curbtender with its XL Electric propulsion system. This will be initially married with a Curbtender Quantum rear-loading refuse truck body, creating a zero-emissions model that should be available within 12 months.

Curbtender CEO Kevin Watje said: “The industry is eager to realise the environmental, cost and sustainability benefits of electrified vehicles, and our partnership with XL Fleet will allow us to move quickly in getting these trucks into our customers’ hands.” 

According to XL Fleet, in 2018, 62,000 refuse trucks were sold globally and the market is worth around $A9 billion a year. Significant opportunities exist within the sector – and the usage and operating environment of such vehicles makes them an ideal application for ever-improving electric propulsion systems.

As a result, myriad established and start-up companies are developing and deploying waste disposal EVs, including DAF, BYD and Lion Electric. American truck manufacturer Peterbilt also recently launched a pure electric version of its Model 520 refuse truck; it can cover 160km, be charged in four hours and carry out 1100 bin-loading cycles. 

“The Peterbilt Model 520EV is a big step towards turning our customers’ electrification dreams into reality,” said Peterbilt GM Jason Skoog. “We believe the refuse and vocational space is a very important area for electrification.”