Electric waste collection trucks are no longer part of a futuristic conversation. With cities mandating zero-emission zones and favoring low-carbon contractors, now is the perfect time to evaluate if electric waste collection trucks fit your operation.
Immediate benefits
| Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|
| Fuel savings | 30–50% lower monthly operating costs |
| Less maintenance | Fewer moving parts = fewer breakdowns |
| Emission reduction | Up to -70% in CO₂ per ton transported |
| ESG bidding access | Higher scores in public and private tenders |
Real-life example:
In Medellín, Emvarias rolled out its first electric collection trucks in 2023, cutting 65 tons of CO₂ emissions annually per unit.
How much does it cost? How is it recovered?
- An electric truck costs between US$250K and US$400K, compared to US$180K for a diesel one.
- However, the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) levels out in ~5 years thanks to:
- Tax exemptions
- Fuel savings
- Carbon credits or subsidies
Tip: Use tools like the GreenBiz Fleet Tool or Volvo Electric Trucks Calculator to estimate your TCO.
Where to start?
- Run a pilot with short routes and small vehicles (clean points, hazardous waste).
- Assess charging infrastructure: Where and how will you charge your fleet?
- Seek local subsidies or partnerships with charging providers (e.g., Enel X, Blink Charging).
- Measure your current emissions to report improvements to clients and regulators.
What if I don’t electrify?
- Large clients will demand decarbonization by 2027.
- You might lose tenders that require carbon footprint reduction plans.
- Your operating costs will become increasingly uncompetitive against electric fleets.
Electric waste collection trucks are not just a trend—they’re fast becoming the industry standard. With increasing pressure from clients, regulators, and the environment itself, taking early action can give your operation a competitive edge.
Sources
- BloombergNEF – “Electric Trucks Outlook 2024”: https://about.bnef.com
- Volvo Trucks – “Total Cost of Ownership Calculator”: https://www.volvotrucks.com/
- Enel X – Charging solutions for fleets: https://www.enelx.com/
- El Colombiano – “First Electric Collection Truck by Emvarias”: https://www.elcolombiano.com
- ICCT – “Zero-Emission Trucks in Latin America” (2023): https://theicct.org
