In what the city is calling a national first, Louisville, Colorado officials held a “ribbon cutting” last Tuesday to celebrate the launch of a new, all-electric recycling and waste collection plane, which has hit the city's streets.
Operating under heavy loads, in stop-and-go conditions, at low speeds, and on predictable routes, electric vehicles are well-suited to waste collection applications – especially in cities, where the average day's work takes place under 100 miles. driving.
In addition, their quiet operation means that residents such as small children and light sleepers are less likely to be woken up at 0-dark-3 o'clock by the rogue operator in charge of Jake Brake.
“We are proud that Louisville will be the first city in the country to have a fully electric collection fleet,” said Mayor Chris Leh. “These EV collection trucks will meet our trash, compost and recycling needs, reduce noise pollution, and feature large windows to increase each driver's field of vision and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, making our neighborhoods quieter, safer and healthier.”
It's hard to argue with benefits like those, though Colorado Public Radio cast doubt on the situation saying, “The question is whether the lower operating and maintenance costs offered by EVs can reduce the price and help the city save money in the long run.”
Since B&P customers get real incentive money for medium- and heavy-duty EVs (and even more for utility programs), however, there's very little risk of falling on the wrong side of the cost/benefit equation.
As for the trucks themselves, the Louisville fleet includes four McNeilus Volterra ZSLs. Combined with information from Republic services, these trucks have 360-degree cameras, an enlarged windshield for better visibility, lane departure sensors, automatic emergency brakes, and audible devices that warn nearby drivers and pedestrians to compensate for their quiet operation.
The McNeilus Volterra SL is available with 499 and 665 kWh batteries, and they even qualify for incentives from HVIP and the State of Colorado.
“The City of Louisville's commitment to sustainability is something we really applaud,” said Richard Coupland, vice president of municipal operations for the Republic. “Being the first municipality in the country to accept electrified ships shows their desire to find practical solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. Our partnership is an example of how we can contribute to a sustainable world.”
Electrek's Take
First of all, who knew they had Louisville in Colorado!?
Besides, the real story here is that municipalities everywhere are beginning to understand that electric garbage trucks offer real incentives – not just financial or environmental – that make the lives of the people who live and work with them and around them. much better.
SOURCE | PHOTOS: Services of the Republic; by Blue Nation, CPR.
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