As more organizations look to electrify their fleets, electric refuse trucks are emerging as an excellent option for the waste management industry. We have compiled a list of the best key practices along with financial considerations to help organizations navigate the transition to electric refuse trucks.
By Michael Stafford
When considering electric trucks, there are numerous items that require consideration. While it is a task that can be hard to navigate, if performed correctly, the rewards are tangible. A host of topics to follow, have been written to help organizations properly plan and prepare for the electrification of their fleet with consideration to a business鈥檚 operations and finances.
Planning and Assessment
Benjamin Franklin once said, 鈥淏y failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.鈥� Taking time to assess all facets of implementing an electric refuse truck program is critical to an organization鈥檚 launch and long-term operational success.
Route Analysis
There have been numerous advancements in truck and battery technology, allowing an electric refuse truck the ability to handle a wide variety of collection routes without needing to recharge. Start by carefully evaluating the routes being considered to ensure the OEM鈥檚 electric refuse trucks can complete the task on a single charge, or by incorporating opportunity charging.
Utility Coordination
Engage the local utility early to plan for the increased power needs and potential grid upgrades required to support electric refuse trucks. Many areas offer utility service upgrades, which are covered by the utility provider or incentivized by a state or local program reducing cost to bring the energy needed at the charging stations.
Charging Infrastructure
Develop a comprehensive plan for charging stations at a facility. Ensure charging stations are the right combination of fast chargers and overnight chargers to properly keep a fleet charged and ready. In many cases, the installation of vehicle to grid (V2G) charging stations can add value long-term value, and help future proof a facilities infrastructure.
Schedule Charging
Plan for long-term fleet electrification, looking 10 to 20 years ahead and updating a strategy regularly. Ensure charging systems are compatible across a fleet, especially if you use different equipment from different OEM鈥檚. In addition, keep up with charging stations鈥� routine inspections, and scheduled maintenance. This practice will help an organization鈥檚 effort to create a reliable charging network in support of electric refuse trucks鈥� daily operation requirements.
Establish a schedule that charges a truck when the utility provider鈥檚 cost per kWh is at its lowest. Typically, electricity demand and rates are highest in the late afternoon and early evening. Charging during these times can be more expensive and may strain the power grid:
鈥� Take advantage of off-peak electricity rates, potentially saving money
鈥� Allow the electric refuse truck battery to cool down after driving for extended hours
鈥� Ensures the electric refuse truck is ready for use in the morning
Regulatory Compliance
Stay informed about zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) requirements in the state trucks are operating. Many states are adopting or considering California鈥檚 ZEV mandates, which may impact a fleets transition timeline.
Vehicle Selection and Operation
The selection of the OEM, the technology, and capabilities both operationally and daily can work for or against an organization.
Range Considerations
Choose electric refuse trucks with sufficient battery capacity for the routes required. Look for models with regenerative braking systems to extend operational range. In some circumstances, the addition of an electric refuse body equipped with its own battery can help a truck manage the number of pickups and route distance required.
Driver Training
Provide comprehensive training for staff on electric refuse truck operational daily use including charging procedures. Building team confidence will ensure optimal electric refuse truck performance.
Maintenance Planning
Electric trucks have fewer moving parts in the truck drivetrain. Without belts, fuel filters, air filters, engine oil, oil filters the need for diesel emission fluid (DEF), and in many states mandated emission checks, the reduced cost of maintenance and additional uptime are often overlooked. Translation: minimal maintenance and repairs, more uptime and reliability, and less expense.
Partner with an organization that offers innovative service and training programs to ensure an electric refuse truck maintenance is performed regularly. In the event the truck requires repairs beyond the technical capabilities of an in-house team, find out how an organization is prepared to respond to and address the trucks鈥� repair required. Having a process for these types of issues will minimize an electric refuse truck downtime.
Smart Systems
Truck telematics, charging stations, and even the truck鈥檚 refuse body should be integrated with smart technology. An electric refuse truck equipped with real-time monitoring, condition-based maintenance, and route readiness tracking will improve operational efficiency.
Financial Considerations
Multiple operational factors should be considered with evaluating the adoption of electric refuse trucks into a fleet.
Total Cost of Ownership
While upfront costs for electric refuse trucks are higher, factoring in reduced operational costs from lower fuel and maintenance expenses over time provides a better benchmark for an organization鈥檚 daily operational cost over time.
Incentives
Review and take advantage of government incentives, tax credits, and grants available for electric vehicle adoption. In many states and cities incentive programs are available towards the acquisition cost of an electric refuse truck, or installation of charging stations and the infrastructure required for adding electric refuse trucks to a fleet. The incentive dollars are significant and worth investigating.
Operational
When operating, drivers of electric refuse trucks can hear activity around the truck, a safety matter often overlooked. Drivers are no longer subject to truck emissions or engine heat entering the truck鈥檚 cab. Electric refuse trucks have instant torque, moving the truck forward more quickly and easily. The ePTO鈥檚 activates immediately, with no delay to the refuse bodies hydraulics, making driver more productive allowing them to operate faster pick-ups. With no oil, DEF fluids or transmission fluids to check, drivers save time with fewer inspections. Additionally, there is no re-fueling at the end of the day. Electric refuse trucks simply pull into their stall where a charge station exists. The driver plugs in their truck and it is ready the next day.
Fuel Cost
The cost difference between electricity and diesel fuel or compressed natural gas is also a factor that has potential to lower operational expenses over the truck鈥檚 lifespan. Fuel is a commodity traded on the open market. Price fluctuations are subject to global economic conditions. Natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, or refinery outages can disrupt supply chains leading to price spikes.
In contrast, State Public Utility Commissions regulate services provided by utility providers in many areas of the U.S. market. Changes to electricity pricing undergo scrutiny and approval before implementation. This oversight dampens rapid price fluctuations, and while electricity prices remain subject to market forces, they provide a more predictable cost for fueling.
The national average cost of electricity per kWh will likely continue its gradual upward trend over the next decade, barring any major market disruptions or policy changes that significantly impact electricity pricing.
While the exact rate of increase is difficult to predict accurately, Figure 1 shows 20 years of history courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy highlights both the stability and lower annual increase in the cost of electricity when compared to diesel helping organizations future-proof against inflationary fueling cost over the life of the truck.
Battery Life and Replacement
Over a long stretch of time, truck batteries will degrade. The financial impact should be considered, however, knowing a trucks鈥� batteries and the technology of the OEM will improve the long-term operational cost and reliability of an electric refuse truck. Advanced battery technology such as Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries will improve the truck鈥檚 battery degradation over the many years of use.
LFP batteries can generally accept a higher rate of charge without negatively affecting battery health when compared to other batteries. LFP batteries have faster charging capabilities and can typically handle higher charging rates without significant impact on the truck鈥檚 battery health. In addition to LFPs:
鈥� TVerify the OEM鈥檚 battery warranty
鈥� TWork with OEM鈥檚 or organizations who offer extended warranties to provide cost assurance
鈥� TStay current on the latest battery technology
Energy Use
On average, 80 percent of an electric truck鈥檚 energy is converted to propulsion, whereas internal combustion engine trucks only convert 15 perent of its energy to propulsion. Due to the efficient use of energy, electric trucks are extremely cost effective to operate. The fuel cost for an electric truck will be significantly lower than for diesel trucks. Dependent upon the cost per gallon and the kWh rates in an area, the fueling cost of electric trucks are 1/2 to 3/4 less per mile when compared to the cost of running a similar diesel refuse truck (see Figure 2).
Long-term Strategy: A Phased Approach
Consider a gradual transition, starting with routes best suited for electric vehicles, such as those with more frequent stops. Continue to expand on the truck use, daily routes. This proof of concept will help an organization鈥檚 team understand the capabilities of the truck and the routes they are able to service. Maximize the truck鈥檚 routes to have the driver return their truck with a 15 percent state of charge
(SOC). Keep in mind that every mile driven provides continuous operational cost savings in both maintenance and fuel.
Successful Integration
Multiple positives await beyond the reduction in an organization鈥檚 carbon footprint, including noise and truck emissions into the neighborhoods served. Electric refuse trucks establish a stable predictable cost, reducing the annual operational cost for maintenance and fuel, providing an organization the opportunity to grow their business, winning contracts with cities. Some of these advantages are currently unavailable with internal combustion engine trucks.
By following these best practices, a successful integration of electric refuse trucks into a fleet will create opportunities that help the bottom line of an organization along with our environment all with no regrets. | WA
Michael Stafford currently works as the Senior VP of Business Development at Roundtrip EV Solutions, Inc. He has led commercial sales at Tesla and BYD, providing cost effective, reliable, environmentally friendly zero emission fleet transportation solutions for organizations throughout the U.S. market. Michael can be reached at [email protected].
At Roundtrip EV Solutions, they are ready to support organizations journey towards electrification. For more information, e-mail [email protected].