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Madison, WI — Wisconsin’s capital is making strides in sustainable waste management with the launch of its first fully electric garbage trucks.
On September 17, the city welcomed two Mack LR Electric vehicles, representing the state’s first use of Class 8 electric refuse tractors.
During the ceremonial handover, Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway emphasized the importance of electrifying heavy-duty vehicles in the pursuit of zero-emissions technology.
“Madison will help demonstrate the performance of these new electric garbage trucks in real-world conditions and help quantify the long-term savings associated with eliminating fossil fuel costs and reducing maintenance expenses,” she stated.
The city now operates over 100 fully electric vehicles and 150 hybrids, including 62 electric buses in its transit system.
Mack Trucks North America partnered with Milwaukee-based Kriete Truck Centers to provide Madison with two zero-tailpipe-emissions trucks: one with a Leach rear loader and another with a Labrie automated side loader.
While the exact purchase price was not disclosed, the mayor indicated that capital funds were utilized to secure the vehicles, highlighting the city’s strategy to save on future operating costs.
The Mack Ultra Service Maintenance Agreement covers the trucks, including scheduled maintenance, towing, and repair services, as well as battery monitoring and connected uptime services. This comprehensive support is vital for ensuring the trucks’ operational efficiency.
The transition to electric vehicles aims to improve air quality and offers significant operational cost savings. Electric trucks typically require less maintenance than their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts, leading to lower parts and labor expenses.
This is especially advantageous for municipalities like Madison, which operates within tight budget constraints.
George Fotopoulos, Mack’s Vice President of E-mobility, remarked, “These vehicles offer real-world benefits. They’re more efficient, quieter, safer, and have lower emissions, which means they’re healthier for the communities they serve.”
The LR Electric models are equipped with advanced technology, including a two-stage regenerative braking system that captures energy during stops, maximizing efficiency even under heavy loads.
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As part of its community involvement initiative, Madison has opened a naming contest for its new trucks, encouraging residents to submit creative names. This fosters public engagement and showcases the city’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices.
The city is on track to achieve a significant environmental goal: to power all municipal operations with 100% renewable energy by the end of the decade. Currently, Madison sources nearly 75% of its electricity from renewable resources.
David Kriete, CEO of Kriete Truck Centers, noted the company’s substantial investments in increasing EV capabilities, including specialized training for technicians and modifications to infrastructure for EV charging.
“Our job is to provide customers with transportation solutions that help them achieve their goals,” he stated.
As the City of Madison continues on this electrification journey, it sets a benchmark for other municipalities aiming to balance environmental responsibility with operational efficiency.
The successful integration of these electric garbage trucks could pave the way for the broader adoption of electric vehicles in municipal fleets across the country, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future of fleet management.
