Mack Trucks will partner with Republic Services to build and operate a fully electric Mack LR refuse truck to help the refuse fleet achieve zero-emissions goals.

Benefits of fully electric trucks include zero carbon emissions, reduced noise, and environmental sustainability. For refuse hauling companies, the ability to operate quietly during the early morning hours is an attractive feature of electric vehicles, according to the truckmaker.

“Mack looks forward to partnering with Republic Services to test the benefits a fully electric LR can offer in its day-to-day operations,” said Jonathan Randall, Mack Trucks senior vice president of North American sales and marketing. “As a leader in refuse and alternative solutions, Mack is uniquely positioned to offer a proprietary, integrated and fully electric solution for North America.”

At this point in the development of electromobility technology and infrastructure, Mack believes a fully electric vehicle will work best in a closed loop application in which the truck returns home every night – such as in the refuse industry.

“Given we operate one of the largest vocational fleets in the U.S., we are continuously evaluating innovative approaches and technologies to improve the performance, economics and environmental impact of our fleet,” said Don Slager, president and CEO of Republic Services. “We are excited to be working with Mack in the development of an electric garbage truck as it would represent a significant step towards a cleaner, safer, and more efficient fleet while helping to preserve our Blue Planet for future generations.”

Further details about the specs and testing will be announced at a later date.

Additionally, in early 2018 Mack announced the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) also will test a fully electric Mack LR model, which will be operational in 2019. Those specs and details will also be announced at a later date.