WM New Zealand has added its first Mercedes-Benz eEconic electric rear loader to its growing electric truck fleet, with the company saying the move supports safer operations and lower-carbon waste collection.
The purchase of the truck was supported by a $150,000 grant from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), recognising the role heavy vehicle electrification can play in reducing transport emissions and improving air quality.
The eEconic will initially be used for inorganic collections and may also support operations and bins clear safety wellbeing benefits for frontline teams. Its low-floor cab design allows drivers and runners to move in and out of the vehicle more easily during collection work.
WM New Zealand managing director Evan Meahl says the investment reflects the company’s long-term commitment to practical, scalable decarbonisation.
“Fleet is one of our biggest opportunities to cut emissions and improve the experience for our people and the communities we serve. Every electric truck we put into service helps reduce noise, improve air quality, and move us closer to a low-carbon future.”
Head of fleet Jitesh Singh says the addition of the eEconic also supports the company’s focus on safety and operational performance.
“This truck has been designed around the realities of collection work. The low-floor design reduces strain on drivers and runners who are in and out of the cab all day and the extra seating supports how our crews actually operate.”
WM already operates diesel Econic side loaders in municipal collections and Singh says the company is keen to see the development of electric Econic side loaders in the future.
The vehicle was supplied through Daimler Truck Australia Pacific and Mercedes-Benz distributor Keith Andrews.
Chief executive of Keith Andrews, Darren Evans, says the company is proud to partner with WM New Zealand as it continues expanding its electric fleet.
“The strength of the Mercedes-Benz eEconic comes from a shared commitment to safety, innovation and sustainability in New Zealand’s transport sector. Through close collaboration from technical specification, delivery, and ongoing aftersales support, we have worked to ensure the eEconic integrates seamlessly into their fleet and meets their operational needs.”
Daimler Truck Australia Pacific vice president sales, marketing and operations Andrew Assimo says WM’s commitment to safe, high-performing operations aligns with the future of urban transport.
“The Mercedes-Benz eEconic delivers performance with zero exhaust emissions without compromising capability or safety, and we’re proud to support WM as they continue to transition to a cleaner, more sustainable fleet.”
The new truck joins one of the country’s largest electric heavy vehicle fleets. WM began its electric vehicle programme in 2016 and has continued to build capability through a mix of original equipment vehicles and in-house conversions.
The company now operates 60 electric vehicles across its operations, including 50 built through internal conversions. The fleet includes 13 side loaders, nine rear loaders, 20 food low-emission vehicles, four glass collection vehicles, seven box trucks, five skip trucks, one prime mover and one split body truck.
These vehicles operate nationwide, with 31 based in WM North, 24 in WM South and four supporting technical services.
Earlier this year WM’s electric heavy vehicle fleet passed a major milestone of more than three million kilometres driven.
Singh says the milestone demonstrates the impact of early investment in electric transport.
“Three million electric kilometres represents real impact, almost 5,600 tonnes of emissions avoided. It shows what is possible when you invest early and learn by doing. The next phase will move even faster.”
WM says the addition of the Mercedes-Benz eEconic supports its long-term sustainability programme and commitment to practical climate action.
The company operates more than 90 sites across New Zealand and employs over 3000 people. It also operates one of the country’s largest heavy vehicle fleets and has committed to being carbon neutral in its operations by 2050.
