Republic Services, a waste management company, is taking steps to clean up the air in Chicago by deploying new Mack LR Electric garbage trucks in the city. These electric vehicles are part of Republic Services’ commitment to sustainability and reducing emissions in urban communities. The trucks are powered by electric motors that deliver 400 combined kW (about 536 hp) and offer a peak torque output of 4,051 lb-ft. They can be fully charged in under two hours at 150 kW, making them ideal for early morning routes and supporting cleaner air quality.
The deployment of Chicago’s first electric refuse fleet was celebrated by Republic Services executives and partners from local utility ComEd. ComEd’s commercial EV rebate program helped fund the purchase of the two Mack LR Electric garbage trucks. These trucks are specifically designed for refuse applications, with a low cab-forward design and tight turning radius essential for waste collection routes in residential and commercial areas.
The electric vehicles will be charged nightly at new 150 kW DC fast charging stations from BP pulse, which are installed at Republic’s vehicle yard in the Little Village neighborhood. The infrastructure for these charging stations was partially funded by ComEd rebate money, along with at least one Ford F-150 Lightning pickup. Republic Services has also added electric trucks to their garbage fleet in other cities, such as Madison, Wisconsin.
As the private energy sector continues to invest in battery storage, charging infrastructure, and commercial EV rebates, Chicago is leading the way in electric vehicle adoption. The city’s EV sales are outpacing the rest of the nation by a ratio of 4:1 in Q1. Melissa Washington, senior vice president of customer operations and strategic initiatives at ComEd, expressed pride in supporting Republic Services in advancing zero emissions transportation for Chicago’s neighborhoods.
Overall, the deployment of electric garbage trucks in Chicago represents a significant step towards a more sustainable future. With the private energy sector stepping up to fill the void left by potential cuts to federal energy efficiency incentives, cities like Chicago are embracing electric vehicles as a cleaner and more efficient alternative. Hopefully, more cities will follow suit and transition to electric refuse fleets in the near future.
