Why the Electric Trucks Matter
These two heavy-duty trucks are part of the broader Climate Forward Agenda of Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway as we work to find alternative fuels for our city operations.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 23% of the transportation’s sector’s greenhouse gas emissions come from heavy duty trucks like trash collection trucks.
On average, a collection vehicle used by the Streets Division uses approximately 17 gallons of diesel a day. Each gallon of diesel is equivalent to 22.45 pounds of C02 emitted. Over the course of a year, the carbon savings from one electric truck is equivalent to the energy use of six homes.
Electric vehicles will also save on maintenance as the motor requires less attention and lubricants than an internal combustion engine.
The collection truck is also significantly quieter than the standard diesel-powered truck. While emptying a cart will always cause a ruckus, the truck itself is whisper quiet compared to its noisier diesel brethren.