South Australia is powering up on electric-powered kerbside collection trucks that are taking to the streets of metropolitan Adelaide this week.
One of these trucks is owned and operated by waste and resource management company East Waste.
East Waste General Manager Rob Gregory said the new truck replaces a diesel-powered truck and, with zero emissions, will remove from our suburban streets the equivalent of 20 vehicles generating 63 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year.
The truck is the first in a fleet replacement program and is supplied by an Australian company, Superior Pak, using drivetrain technology from another Australian company based in Victoria, SEA Electric.
It cost about $550,000, which is $150,000 more than a diesel truck. The extra investment will return financial savings along with a raft of environmental benefits.
Benefits of this initiative include:
This truck emits zero greenhouse gas emissions from the tailpipe under actual operating conditions.
The vehicles are quiet and if the numbers continue to grow, it will significantly reduce noise, making early morning or late-night collections possible, which could help ease street congestion.
Since the South Australia electricity grid now has over 50% renewable electricity supply and is heading towards 100%, the switch to electric vehicles is a key component of a low-carbon future.
“It is much more than a terrific environmental initiative by East Waste,” said Mr Gregory.
“It will deliver financial gain to better manage the cost of kerbside collections of recyclable resources and waste. We conservatively project that our new electric vehicle will save more than $220,000 over the seven-year life of its diesel predecessor. Even with the extra $150,000 purchase price, that is a $70,000 saving.”
The cost savings will be greater if, as expected, diesel prices continue to climb. Moreover, with significantly fewer moving parts than a conventional motor, the new truck is expected to last longer than seven years.
Maintenance costs will be reduced by at least two-thirds. The truck’s drivetrain generates electricity each time it reduces speed, returning charge to the batteries and reducing wear and tear; specially to brake pads.
“Residents will fall in love with our new truck without realising it,” said Mr Gregory.
“With reduced air pollution comes the removal of noise pollution as the truck travels from house to house on bin collection day. It is almost silent.”
Let’s hope the rest of the countrys councils also work to transition their waste collection fleet so that we can all experience the significant benefits that come from the EV revolution.
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