Electric garbage truck now zapping around Canberra

An electric garbage truck is being trialled in Canberra’s streets and suburbs, as part of the ACT Government’s work to transition to a zero emissions fleet.

“The ACT is Australia’s leader on climate action. Transport currently accounts for more than 60 percent of our harmful emissions, so tackling climate change in ACT means we need to electrify private and public transport as soon as we can,” said Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel.

“We’ve already kick-started this transition with 12 battery electric buses joining Transport Canberra’s fleet this year and a further 90 e-buses on the way.

“The Government is now assessing how we can move to zero emissions trucks for waste collection in the ACT. This two-week trial will provide an understanding of the features and benefits of using zero emissions technology for heavy commercial vehicles.”

The vehicle will be based at the government’s Allara St depot in Civic, which has already been fitted with charging infrastructure following an earlier electric tipper truck trial.

Details of the electric garbage truck:

  • Developed by: Bucher Municipal Pty Ltd (BMAu) and SEA Electric – using a diesel Hino FE 1426 with an electric motor conversion.
  • Range: 190 km (empty body)
  • Top speed: 100km/h (Speed limited)
  • 8 hours full charge

“Zero emissions technology has advanced significantly for heavy vehicles, and we want to be ready to bring on new waste trucks to provide cleaner, quieter waste and recycling services to the Canberra community. This trial is another important step in that direction,” said Minister Steel.

Attribute to Darren Gear, regional sales manager Burcher Municipal NSW/ACT

“Bucher Municipal is pleased to be partnering with the ACT Government and Transport Canberra & City Services for a trial of our full electric waste compaction vehicle.”

“The Bucher UR11 rear loader fitted to the Hino FE Sea drive chassis is the cutting edge of EV technology.”

“Our company believes in solving challenges with key partnerships through technology and we strive to develop new equipment that meet environmental outcomes for now and into the future.”

/Public Release. View in full here.