Nikola Motor Company, who are pioneers in producing zero emission electric trucks, have received an order to produce at least 2,500 electric refuse collection trucks from Republic Services waste disposal. Republic Services are the second largest waste disposal company in the United States, and have joined forces with Nikola as they try to hit government-led emission targets. There may also be the potential to build a further 2,500 of these electric waste collection trucks in the future. The trucks have been dubbed the Nikola Refuse.
The Refuse will use a drivetrain from Nikola’s Tre and electronically limited to 1,000 horsepower. This is the equivalent of nearly three times the power of similar trucks powered by compressed natural gas. The instant torque of an electric vehicle makes this the ideal application for a battery powered truck that has to constantly stop and start. Along with zero emissions and the typically reduced costs of the upkeep of an electric vehicle compared to a petrol or diesel truck, it’s a winner all round.
The Refuse should have a range of up to 150 miles (240km) from its 720 kWh battery. Nikola expect this will enable Republic Services to empty around 1,200 rubbish bins per charge. Tests for the new Refuse are planned for 2022 with production starting the following year at their Arizona plant.
Executive chairman and Nikola founder, Trevor Milton, said: “The Nikola Tre powertrain is ideal for the refuse market as it shares and uses the same batteries, controls, inverters and e-axle. By sharing the Tre platform, we can drive the cost down for both programs by using the same parts. You couldn’t pick a better partner than Republic Services, a leader in long-term environmental sustainability and customer service.”
