How to Successfully Integrate Electric Refuse Trucks into Your Fleet

SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): When considering electric trucks, there are numerous items that require consideration. While it is a task that can be hard to navigate, if performed correctly, the rewards are tangible. A host of topics to follow, have been written to help organizations properly plan and prepare for the electrification of their fleet with consideration to a business’s operations and finances.

Planning and Assessment
Benjamin Franklin once said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Taking time to assess all facets of implementing an electric refuse truck program is critical to an organization’s launch and long-term operational success.

Route Analysis
There have been numerous advancements in truck and battery technology, allowing an electric refuse truck the ability to handle a wide variety of collection routes without needing to recharge. Start by carefully evaluating the routes being considered to ensure the OEM’s electric refuse trucks can complete the task on a single charge, or by incorporating opportunity charging.

Utility Coordination
Engage the local utility early to plan for the increased power needs and potential grid upgrades required to support electric refuse trucks. Many areas offer utility service upgrades, which are covered by the utility provider or incentivized by a state or local program reducing cost to bring the energy needed at the charging stations.

Charging Infrastructure
Develop a comprehensive plan for charging stations at a facility. Ensure charging stations are the right combination of fast chargers and overnight chargers to properly keep a fleet charged and ready. In many cases, the installation of vehicle to grid (V2G) charging stations can add value long-term value, and help future proof a facilities infrastructure.

Schedule Charging
Plan for long-term fleet electrification, looking 10 to 20 years ahead and updating a strategy regularly. Ensure charging systems are compatible across a fleet, especially if you use different equipment from different OEM’s. In addition, keep up with charging stations’ routine inspections, and scheduled maintenance. This practice will help an organization’s effort to create a reliable charging network in support of electric refuse trucks’ daily operation requirements.

Establish a schedule that charges a truck when the utility provider’s cost per kWh is at its lowest. Typically, electricity demand and rates are highest in the late afternoon and early evening. Charging during these times can be more expensive and may strain the power grid:
• Take advantage of off-peak electricity rates, potentially saving money
• Allow the electric refuse truck battery to cool down after driving for extended hours
• Ensures the electric refuse truck is ready for use in the morning

Regulatory Compliance
Stay informed about zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) requirements in the state trucks are operating. Many states are adopting or considering California’s ZEV mandates, which may impact a fleets transition timeline.

Vehicle Selection and Operation
The selection of the OEM, the technology, and capabilities both operationally and daily can work for or against an organization.

Range Considerations
Choose electric refuse trucks with sufficient battery capacity for the routes required. Look for models with regenerative braking systems to extend operational range. In some circumstances, the addition of an electric refuse body equipped with its own battery can help a truck manage the number of pickups and route distance required.

Driver Training
Provide comprehensive training for staff on electric refuse truck operational daily use including charging procedures. Building team confidence will ensure optimal electric refuse truck performance.

Maintenance Planning
Electric trucks have fewer moving parts in the truck drivetrain. Without belts, fuel filters, air filters, engine oil, oil filters the need for diesel emission fluid (DEF), and in many states mandated emission checks, the reduced cost of maintenance and additional uptime are often overlooked. Translation: minimal maintenance and repairs, more uptime and reliability, and less expense.

Partner with an organization that offers innovative service and training programs to ensure an electric refuse truck maintenance is performed regularly. In the event the truck requires repairs beyond the technical capabilities of an in-house team, find out how an organization is prepared to respond to and address the trucks’ repair required. Having a process for these types of issues will minimize an electric refuse truck downtime.

Smart Systems
Truck telematics, charging stations, and even the truck’s refuse body should be integrated with smart technology. An electric refuse truck equipped with real-time monitoring, condition-based maintenance, and route readiness tracking will improve operational efficiency.

Financial Considerations
Multiple operational factors should be considered with evaluating the adoption of electric refuse trucks into a fleet.

Total Cost of Ownership
While upfront costs for electric refuse trucks are higher, factoring in reduced operational costs from lower fuel and maintenance expenses over time provides a better benchmark for an organization’s daily operational cost over time.

Incentives
Review and take advantage of government incentives, tax credits, and grants available for electric vehicle adoption. In many states and cities incentive programs are available towards the acquisition cost of an electric refuse truck, or installation of charging stations and the infrastructure required for adding electric refuse trucks to a fleet. The incentive dollars are significant and worth investigating.

Operational
When operating, drivers of electric refuse trucks can hear activity around the truck, a safety matter often overlooked. Drivers are no longer subject to truck emissions or engine heat entering the truck’s cab. Electric refuse trucks have instant torque, moving the truck forward more quickly and easily. The ePTO’s activates immediately, with no delay to the refuse bodies hydraulics, making driver more productive allowing them to operate faster pick-ups. With no oil, DEF fluids or transmission fluids to check, drivers save time with fewer inspections. Additionally, there is no re-fueling at the end of the day. Electric refuse trucks simply pull into their stall where a charge station exists. The driver plugs in their truck and it is ready the next day.

Fuel Cost
The cost difference between electricity and diesel fuel or compressed natural gas is also a factor that has potential to lower operational expenses over the truck’s lifespan. Fuel is a commodity traded on the open market. Price fluctuations are subject to global economic conditions. Natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, or refinery outages can disrupt supply chains leading to price spikes.

In contrast, State Public Utility Commissions regulate services provided by utility providers in many areas of the U.S. market. Changes to electricity pricing undergo scrutiny and approval before implementation. This oversight dampens rapid price fluctuations, and while electricity prices remain subject to market forces, they provide a more predictable cost for fueling.

Courtesy: www.wasteadvantagemag.com