#USA #Autocar #Heil #Recology #Issaquah, WA

Introduction

The integration of sustainability into municipal services continues to advance, as seen in the recent announcement by Heil® Co., Autocar, LLC, and Recology, Inc. Together, these companies have introduced a revolutionary fully electric refuse collection vehicle designed for operation in Issaquah, Washington.

Project Overview

This new vehicle combines the Autocar E-ACX™ all-electric chassis with the Heil RevAMP® electric automated side loader body. The result is a robust and sophisticated refuse collection platform equipped with no hydraulic systems, aimed at optimizing service efficiency while aligning with the city’s sustainability goals. In doing so, it not only represents a significant step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also showcases the collective commitment to enhancing air quality in the community.

Sustainability Commitment

Issaquah has established itself as a leader in sustainability initiatives, particularly recognized through its LEED for Cities certification program. The introduction of this zero-emission refuse truck indicates the city's ongoing efforts to meet long-term environmental objectives while supporting efforts that improve local air quality. The operational changes are crucial in achieving the city's aims for eco-friendly practices.

Technical Specifications

The Autocar E-ACX is a purpose-built all-electric severe-duty refuse truck with an in-house developed electric powertrain. It is engineered for demanding collection activities and is designed to deliver zero-emission functionality without compromising on performance or reliability. With features that focus on performance, range, payload capacity, and efficiency, this truck aims to redefine expectations of refuse vehicle operation.

Juan Higgs, Chief of Engineering at Autocar, explained the strategic rationale: "You don't build a truck like the E-ACX overnight; it's back by decades of expertise in constructing durable vehicles, all while factoring in electrification needs."

Integration and Performance

One of the striking aspects of this initiative is the Power of One® Plus integration, where the chassis and bodywork of the truck were engineered as a cohesive system. This eliminates unnecessary modifications and facilitates a more streamlined and efficient production process.

The Heil RevAMP body integrates seamlessly with various chassis configurations, including both electric and traditional combustion-powered options. When paired with the Autocar E-ACX, it produces a solution with zero tailpipe emissions, effectively demonstrating the potential of electric refuse vehicles and ensuring that municipal service demands are consistently met.

Tony Giles, Alternative Fuels Product Director for Heil, emphasizes, "Electrification is only effective if it performs reliably in real-world conditions. Our primary focus was to ensure the RevAMP supports fleets in transitioning to electric operations without interrupting service continuity."

Recology's Role

Recology’s commitment to sustainability is well-established, as the company has integrated alternative fuels into 90% of its fleet. By incorporating this fully electric refuse vehicle, Recology aims to further minimize its ecological footprint and enhance service quality in Issaquah. The operational implications include quieter operations and the removal of tailpipe emissions—a vital step toward improving local environmental conditions.

Salvatore Coniglio, CEO of Recology, stated, "Incorporating this fully electric truck into our Issaquah services is a key progress marker in our journey toward zero-emission collection. This strategy allows us to evaluate the performance of electric technology on our service routes."

Future Prospects

The new electric refuse truck is set to enter service after a phase of commissioning and operator training. This significant development not only demonstrates technological advancement in the waste disposal sector but also signals a broader shift toward eco-aware municipal operations.

For further details on the companies involved, visit Heil, Autocar, and Recology.