A northern Delaware refuse hauler announced has added a Mack battery-electric truck (EVs) to its fleet. The unit is believed to be first EV refuse truck in Delaware.
In its newsletter, the Hockessin-based Evergreen Waste Services announced it “wants to be a part of the future” by adding EV waste trucks. The company plans to have five EVs to its fleet by the end of the year.
“We hope this investment demonstrates that we are serious about doing what’s best for our customers through service and innovation,” the company stated.
Mack, a part of Swedish truck giant Volvo, announced a year ago that Evergreen had placed an order for an EV hauler.
Marcus Stevens, president of Evergreen Waste, said at the time Evergreen wanted to support the adoption of electrification and the move toward renewable energy, the reason for the company going the EV route.
“We didn’t want to compromise service, reliability or capacity on route,” Stevens said last year . “We’re looking forward the Mack LR Electric and Mack Trucks delivering in all of these areas, and we believe they will.”
Electric trash trucks are a rarity, with fewer than 50 deployed as of last summer. However, their numbers are expected to grow in the coming years as private haulers and municipalities look for ways to move toward zero emissions. EV trash trucks have been in operation in New York City since 2019.
Cost is another issue, with EVs running well into the six figures, although operating costs are likely to be lower, due to the lower cost of electricity and lower projected maintenance costs.
Trash trucks also brake frequently on their routes, with the regenerative power aiding the battery.
The presence of EV trash haulerws may also be appreciated by neighbors, due to their quiet operation.
Delaware haulers do operate lower-emissions trucks powered by compressed natural gas.
