REMONDIS Australia has trialled a battery-electric waste collection truck in Brisbane. The company put a Mercedes-Benz eEconic 6×2 through commercial waste collection trials in Brisbane during August, testing the zero-exhaust-emission truck in a range of operating conditions.
The eEconic uses lithium-ion batteries to power electric motors in its drive axle. Its ‘e-axle’ design removes the need for a traditional driveshaft, while enabling zero exhaust emissions and near-silent operation.
The truck is also equipped with energy recovery braking, which is designed to improve efficiency and extend journey longevity, making it suited to stop-and-go urban driving.
REMONDIS Australia CEO and Managing Director Björn Becker said the trial was a natural progression for the company, given its longstanding relationship with Mercedes-Benz.
“REMONDIS, our parent company RETHMANN, and Mercedes-Benz are all iconic German brands, and our long relationships are behind this opportunity coming together,” Becker said.
He said REMONDIS operated 600 waste collection trucks across Australia, creating significant scope to reduce emissions through different technologies.
“Modern waste management is all about circular economy outcomes, and fleet operation is a big part of that,” Becker said. “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.”
REMONDIS Australia Technical Executive General Manager Conor Flynn said the trial truck had been tailored for Australian conditions.
Brisbane was selected because of its diverse operational landscape, with the next stage involving the sharing and analysis of information with Mercedes-Benz and other participants, including Superior Pak, which oversaw the body design.
The eEconic has a drive output of up to 400 kilowatts, a top speed of 100km/h and a range of up to 150 kilometres with compaction. Three battery packs provide 300kWh of usable capacity, while a 120kW charger can recharge the batteries in as little as 2.5 hours.
The truck includes safety features such as an Advanced Emergency Braking System, panoramic windows, advanced mirrors and cameras to improve visibility, as well as a low two-step entry point.
The trial builds on other electric truck trials undertaken by REMONDIS in Australia, following the introduction of a zero-emission hydrogen-powered residential collection truck to its Illawarra operations in NSW in 2023.