In a significant step toward sustainable city operations, Madison, Wisconsin, has introduced two Mack Electric LR HDEVs into its garbage fleet, making it the first city in the state to operate electric garbage trucks. The addition of these Class 8 electric vehicles earlier this year is part of the city’s broader initiative to reduce carbon emissions and increase sustainability. Plans are already in place to expand the fleet with two additional trucks in the near future.
Madison has long committed to ambitious environmental goals. In 2017, the city became the 25th North American municipality to adopt a zero-net carbon target for its operations by 2030, with a citywide goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The deployment of the Mack Electric LR HDEVs, believed to be the first Class 8 battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in Wisconsin, marks a key milestone in the city’s efforts to electrify its heavy truck and equipment fleet.
“These refuse trucks service every block in the city of Madison, meaning a lot of diesel fumes are present in our neighborhoods,” said Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway. “Taking even one diesel truck off the road is a win for our community, and it’s a critical step toward a cleaner environment.”
The Mack Electric LR HDEVs are equipped with two electric motors that generate a combined output of 400 kW (approximately 536 horsepower), delivering a peak torque of 4,051 lb-ft. This represents a 40% increase in power compared to the original LR Electric model released in 2019. The trucks are powered by 376 kWh batteries, which can be fully charged in less than two hours at 150 kW using ChargePoint DC fast chargers at the city’s truck depot.
Since 2017, Madison has made significant strides in electrifying its fleet. “Five years ago, Madison had no electric vehicles in its fleet,” Mayor Rhodes-Conway noted. “Today, we have over 100 fully electric vehicles, 150 hybrids, and, thanks to the Biden-Harris administration, 62 new electric buses that will support our bus rapid transit system.” The city’s ongoing transition to electric vehicles reflects its commitment to zero-emissions technology, and the deployment of electric garbage trucks is a major component of this shift.
These electric trucks are more than just an environmentally conscious choice. They offer numerous benefits, including reduced maintenance costs and long-term savings from eliminating fossil fuel use. With municipalities across the country beginning to recognize the advantages of electric garbage trucks, Madison’s move positions it as a leader in clean energy innovation.
As the city continues to expand its electric vehicle fleet, these two Mack Electric HDEVs are expected to play a pivotal role in demonstrating the effectiveness of electric heavy-duty vehicles in real-world conditions. Madison’s example could serve as a model for other cities seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and improve quality of life for residents and workers alike.
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