OSHKOSH’S FIRST FULLY INTEGRATED ELECTRIC COLLECTION VEHICLE

REPUBLIC SERVICES EXPECTS EVS TO REPRESENT HALF OF NEW TRUCK PURCHASES BY 2028

Oshkosh Corporation has engineered and produced North America’s first fully integrated electric refuse collection vehicle, creating a new product category for the company.

Traditional refuse vehicles require the mounting of a refuse collection body to a third-party chassis, but the new Oshkosh-integrated refuse truck has been designed from the ground up to offer a single OEM electric vehicle solution that minimizes environmental impact and helps customers meet their sustainability initiatives. The truck’s drivetrain includes advanced lithium-ion batteries and an electric-axle system, enabling the vehicle to complete a full day’s refuse collection on a single charge.

“When Oshkosh engineers began this project, they put both the customer and user experiences at the centre of our design,” said John Pfeifer, president and chief executive officer of Oshkosh Corporation. “For the buyer, chassis selection and integration are eliminated. For the driver, active safety systems, performance technologies, and ergonomic features deliver best-in-class safety, comfort, and productivity. And for the technician, intelligent, connected systems reduce routine service and enable condition-based maintenance.”

As part of the rollout of the new vehicles, Republic Services, one of the largest providers of waste disposal in the U.S., plans to significantly scale its electric truck fleet through a long-term deal with Oshkosh Corporation. It will begin operating two fully integrated electric recycling and waste truck prototypes this fall, and expects EVs to represent half of its new truck purchases in the next five years.

Republic provided insights to Oshkosh engineers regarding operational, safety, and ergonomic features for the truck. The chassis and body are designed as a single unit, maximizing interior space and creating a unique, streamlined exterior. Safety features include an enlarged windshield for improved visibility, 360-degree cameras, lane-departure sensors, and automated braking.

“As the operator of 17,000 trucks, Republic Services is uniquely positioned to advance decarbonization through our commitment to electrification, delivering meaningful environmental and economic benefits,” said Jon Vander Ark, president and chief executive officer. “Our engagement with Oshkosh on the truck of the future will accelerate the transition of our fleet while providing advanced safety features and technology. We’ll continue to invest in innovations that will help reduce emissions, benefit the environment, and help our customers meet their own sustainability goals.”

Two automated side-load prototypes for residential collections will hit the road in Phoenix this fall, with additional vehicles planned in 2024 for locations including California and Oregon. Product prototype testing on designated routes will be completed in 2023, with customer deliveries starting in 2024.

Another key player in the industry, WM, has also long expressed the desire for a single-platform vehicle, and has been involved with Oshkosh since the early stages of the truck development to provide desired features and key success factors. WM is also working toward incorporating the fully integrated electric refuse collection vehicle into its fleet at a future date.

Net-zero climate goals have created a worldwide race for sustainability, especially in transportation. Recycled auto components, battery packs, and the demand for battery-grade material extraction are just a few factors that have given rise to strategic alliances and heavy investments.

The segment is comparatively niche in terms of developing new technology, especially from end-of-life parts and materials. Like all innovation, sustainable battery manufacturing and related businesses need capital and, now more than ever, funding interest for these businesses has increased.

But are all new ventures successful? We’ve seen some companies in this space starting to capture the market while some were unable to scale up as planned. Let’s take a look at three of these first movers and the different paths they took to develop in this space.