New Zealand’s first electric rubbish truck has been formally accepted by the Kapiti Coast District Council and is now officially part of its vehicle fleet.
The truck is one of two used by council to pick up waste from public bins around the district.
The electric truck has gone through rigorous operational testing over the last few months, overseen by independent experts, to ensure it met the required standards.
“The truck had to pass 32 mechanical, electrical, software and on-road acceptance tests before we would formally accept it,” says council’s energy advisor Jake Roos.
“We used it on what would be its regular routes around the district during this testing phase to see how it operated and identify where any improvements were required,” says Roos.
“Some teething problems are to be expected with any new specialised vehicle such as this, but there were relatively few problems and they were put right quickly.
“This is testament to the technical expertise and professionalism of Zero Emissions Vehicles, which built it.”
Zero Emissions Vehicles built the vehicle in Otaki and Palmerston North. While it uses a Chinese built cab and some chassis components, the bulk of the drivetrain and electrical system were built locally.
The truck was also tested on a ‘rolling road’ at the Clean Technology Centre in Otaki to check the battery capacity and driven 2000 trouble-free kilometres before it was given the seal of approval to officially start work. It replaces one of council’s diesel rubbish trucks which had reached the end of its useful life.
The electric truck, the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere, is cheaper to run and maintain than diesel trucks. It also produces less noise, fewer carbon dioxide emissions and absolutely no air pollution. The cost savings on fuel and maintenance outweigh the additional cost of purchasing the vehicle over its life time.
The truck will be kept at the council depot in Paraparaumu where it will be charged with cheap night-rate electricity. One overnight charging will allow the truck to travel for more than 100km. Its battery pack is expected to last around 12 years with routine use.
