Leading waste collection and recycling company Remondis says it recently put a Mercedes-Benz eEconic 6×2 electric rubbish truck through its paces in Brisbane, and is considering the technology for its 600 waste collection trucks in Australia.
Remondis Australia, which is the local subsidiary of the eponymous German multinational, says the trials occurred over August and featured the Mercedes-Benz eEconic 6×2, which has a range of 150 kilometres thanks to battery capacity of 300 kilowatt-hours (kWh).
The company says the truck’s unique “e-axle” design also eliminates the need for a traditional driveshaft, resulting in near-silent operation. Energy recovery braking also increases the vehicle’s efficiency – a particularly valuable feature on a rubbish truck with its stop-and-go operations.
“Remondis, our parent company Rethmann, and Mercedes-Benz are all iconic German brands, and our long relationships are behind this opportunity coming together,” said
Björn Becker, Remondis Australia CEO and managing director, says the company has used Mercedes-Benz trucks globally, including in Australia, for many years.
“It’s a natural progression that Remondis would be first to trial eEconic technology on Australian roads,” he said. “Modern waste management is all about circular economy outcomes, and fleet operation is a big part of that.
“Given that we operate 600 waste collection trucks across Australia, there’s significant scope and appetite for us to cut emissions more broadly, be it through electric, hydrogen or hybrid technology.
“We’re working with multiple truck suppliers and other stakeholders to progress that journey.”
The Mercedes-Benz eEconic 6×2 was specifically designed and built with local truck mass and dimension requirements, including body design by Superior Pak, and tailor made for Australian conditions.
Remondis Australia will now share and analyse information from the trial with Mercedes-Benz and other participants in the trial.
The eEconic trial builds on other electric truck trials that Remondis Australia has completed, including the 2023 introduction of a hydro-powered residential collection truck to its Illawarra operations in New South Wales.
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