Electric refuse collection vehicle
Visitors to Waste Expo 2023 are getting a glimpse at the future of electric refuse trucks.
McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing Inc., together with parent company Oshkosh Corporation, are showing a fully integrated, zero-emission electric refuse collection vehicle (eRCV).
The vehicle is built by Oshkosh Corporation.
“Bringing together Oshkosh’s experience in severe duty vehicle innovation and McNeilus expertise in refuse collection vehicle bodies, this new product platform will provide the best driver, technician and owner experience,” said Lee Dreas, vice-president and general manager at McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing.
Driver-first design
The pass-through cab has a Direct Vision Standard 5-star rating for visibility, as well as a 360-degree camera and radar system to provide enhanced visibility. Easy, consistent operation is delivered in part through Oshkosh’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which are offered as standard equipment and provide complete vehicle coverage.
A 15-inch step eases access to and from the cab. It also boasts a tilt and telescoping steering wheel with integrated controls, heated and ventilated seats, integrated operator controls in the seat, automated full-length sun shade, a 15-inch touchscreen and 12-inch cluster displays for streamlined controls, enhanced storage areas, and vibration limits below the ISO standard.
The company says simplified maintenance and parts inventory, and extended service life all help contribute to improving total cost of ownership by up to an estimated 14%. Other key contributing factors include connected, intelligent telematics providing condition-based and predictive maintenance, tire pressure monitoring system, regenerative braking, battery preconditioning and more.
Performance and productivity
The design of the compaction unit is based on the proven performance and design of the McNeilus Zero Radius Automated Side Loader. The vehicle’s zero radius lift arm – available in 6-foot or 12-foot reach, combined with a tight vehicle turning radius of up to 67 feet (depending on configuration) allow drivers to collect refuse without leaving the cab and to maneuver around cul-de-sacs and tight corners with ease. Additionally, integrated telematics systems provide data on fleet performance, route management, battery management system status and more for optimal operation.
Serviceability
Strategic placement of key serviceable components provides accessibility from the ground with no climbing or lifting equipment required and allows convenient daily checks and services. The Zero Radius lift arm’s rebuildable grabber assembly also enables easy replacement of high-wear items for optimal service life.
Sustainability
This vehicle meets or exceeds clean energy mandates and qualifies for EV incentives. The battery management system is optimized for refuse collection and enables all-day route collection on a single charge. Other features include a revolutionary e-axle architecture with a B10-rating of 300,000 miles, plus regenerative braking and battery preconditioning for outstanding range and compaction.
The Oshkosh fully integrated electric refuse collection vehicle will be produced in a new, state-of-the-art facility in Murfreesboro, Tenn., with the compaction assemblies manufactured at the McNeilus facility in Minnesota.