Royal Waste Services, a Waste Connections subsidiary, has ordered three additional Mack LR Electric refuse trucks, funded through the New York Truck Voucher Incentive Program (NYTVIP). The order follows the company’s initial LR Electric deployment in December 2025. 

That first truck has accumulated more than 500 miles and collected 600 tons of municipal solid waste since December, all with zero downtime.

New York State Zero-Emission Funding

NYTVIP is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and provides vouchers to fleets across New York State that purchase or lease zero-tailpipe emission battery-electric or hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles. 

The program supports the state’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improving air quality, particularly in disadvantaged communities.

“Royal Waste Services’ decision to expand its Mack LR Electric fleet demonstrates the operational viability of electric refuse vehicles in demanding urban environments,” said George Fotopoulos, Mack Trucks vice president and e-mobility business unit leader. “The company’s continued investment in zero-tailpipe emission technology reflects both the performance of the LR Electric and its commitment to sustainable waste collection operations in New York.”

Mack Trucks said that in its first eight weeks of operation, Royal Waste Services’ initial LR Electric demonstrated strong reliability and efficiency, collecting approximately 75 tons of waste per week while maintaining 100% uptime.

Drivers have reported reduced fatigue due to the absence of engine vibration, along with improved control and responsiveness compared with traditional diesel units on stop-and-go collection routes.

“After seeing positive results with our initial Mack LR Electric, and with the support from the voucher incentive program, adding three more units was a natural next step for our fleet,” said Michael Angelo Reali, district manager for Royal Waste Services. “The move to electric propulsion delivers environmental and community benefits, enhances driver comfort, and provides fuel and maintenance cost savings.”

Royal Waste Services received its first Mack LR Electric in early 2025 as part of “The Bronx Is Breathing” initiative, a project funded through the New York Clean Transportation Prizes program. 

Features of the Mack LR Electric

The Mack LR Electric features a standard 376 kWh total battery capacity, providing extended range between charges. Twin electric motors produce 448 continuous horsepower and 4,051 lb.-ft. of peak torque output from zero RPM, making it well-suited for the stop-and-start demands of urban refuse collection. 

The vehicle’s four NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide) lithium-ion batteries are charged through a 150 kW, SAE J1772-compliant charging system, and a two-stage regenerative braking system recaptures energy from the hundreds of stops the vehicle makes each day.

The LR Electric is easily recognizable by its copper-colored Bulldog on the cab, denoting the all-electric powertrain. The vehicle offers the same driver- and passenger-side configurations and customization options as the diesel-powered Mack LR model.