Officials representing the City of Chicago and the Republic Services Group gathered for a ceremony earlier this month to mark a notable new era.
The Windy City has officially deployed its first electric garbage truck fleet which, for now, consists of two Mack LR Electric garbage trucks.
[Related: Electrify where it makes sense: A sequencing method to BEV adoption]
The LR Electric, a vehicle specifically designed for refuse collection that combines zero local emissions with Mack Trucks' renowned durability and performance. The electric powertrain not only ensures quieter operation—ideal for early morning routes—but also helps fleet operators achieve sustainability targets while promoting cleaner air in urban neighborhoods.
Featuring a low cab-forward design and a tight turning radius, the LR Electric offers the necessary maneuverability for both residential and commercial waste collection routes.
The Mack LR Electric further boasts twin 600-volt AC electric motors that generate a combined output of 536 horsepower and a continuous output of 448 hp. With an impressive 4,051 lb-ft of torque available from zero RPM, the truck offers instant acceleration.
Medium-duty, battery-electric vehicles, including garbage trucks, are already proven use cases, something Clean Trucking experienced first-hand in a ride along with Republic Services in Louisville, Colorado. Instead of the Mack LR Electric, the city of Louisville (also a Republic Services customer) has deployed four examples of the four McNeilus Volterra ZSL electric trucks.
[Related: Inside the small Colorado city with a fully electric garbage truck fleet]
Following the video's release, many viewers noted that electrifying garbage trucks makes a lot of sense—not only because of the significant noise reduction, but also due to lower maintenance needs, improved driver comfort, and regenerative braking well-suited for stop-and-go driving.
