As the waste management industry adapts to increasing environmental regulations and the need for sustainable operations, Waste Expo 2024 highlighted a pivotal shift in fleet technology. Attendees were presented with a spectrum of alternative energy trucks, emphasizing the growing importance of battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles in modern waste fleets.
Federal and state emissions reduction mandates are driving rapid advancements in vehicle technology. The complexity of choosing the right alternative fuel is heightened by a variety of overlapping regulations. Waste Expo 2024 showcased the industry's diverse approaches to these challenges, revealing significant investments in multiple types of alternative fuel vehicles.
Battery electric vehicles emerged as a prominent feature at the expo. Although still in the early stages for heavy-duty waste applications, BEVs are gaining traction. The 2024 State of Sustainable Fleets report highlighted a doubling of orders for electric buses, trucks, and vans between 2022 and 2023. Companies like Mack Trucks are leading the charge with a significant push towards electric vehicles, bolstered by an expanding network of authorized dealers trained in EV technology.
James Johnson, president of Autocar, expressed caution, noting that while EV technology has advanced, it still faces hurdles, especially in waste applications. Issues such as range anxiety and the availability of charging infrastructure remain significant challenges. Companies are exploring operational adjustments, such as staggered shifts, to accommodate charging needs. Mack Trucks, however, noted that several customers are already running EVs effectively, indicating a shift from viewing EVs as mere PR assets to essential operational tools.
Hydrogen fuel cell trucks made a notable debut at Waste Expo 2024, with New Way and Hyzon unveiling North America's first hydrogen-powered refuse truck. This technology promises several advantages, including lower vehicle weight, better performance in cold weather, faster refueling times compared to BEVs, and a longer operating range. Steven Boyer, vice president of commercial at Hyzon, highlighted that hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offer a user experience similar to CNG but with improved power density and efficiency.
Despite high current costs, projections indicate that hydrogen prices could become competitive with diesel by the mid-2020s. Boyer noted that the federal government plans to invest billions in hydrogen fueling hubs across the country, with similar networks growing in Canada and California. These developments are expected to reduce the total cost of ownership for hydrogen vehicles, making them a viable option for the waste industry.
CNG continues to be a popular alternative to diesel, particularly for its cost-effectiveness and existing infrastructure. The Sustainable Fleets report noted that refuse vehicles led new orders for CNG trucks in 2023. Companies like WM and Waste Connections are maintaining and expanding their CNG fleets due to stable fuel costs and performance benefits. Craig Kerkman, market segment manager for refuse at Hexagon Agility, emphasized the longevity and stability of the CNG market, noting that it remains a reliable option while the industry transitions to newer technologies.
The consensus at Waste Expo 2024 is that there won't be a one-size-fits-all solution for alternative fuel vehicles in the waste industry. Companies like Recology and Republic Services are exploring multiple technologies, from BEVs to hydrogen fuel cells, to find the best fit for different operational needs. This multipronged approach allows flexibility and resilience as the industry navigates the transition to zero-emission vehicles.
Recology, for instance, is piloting various technologies to understand their applicability in different contexts. Jim Mendoza, the company's director of equipment procurement and maintenance, stressed the importance of being adaptable and patient as technologies evolve. He highlighted the goal of achieving performance parity between alternative fuel vehicles and traditional diesel trucks, acknowledging the ongoing challenges and trade-offs.
Republic Services:
Republic Services is betting big on EVs, currently operating 15 electric trucks with plans to expand to 50 by the end of the year. CEO Jon Vander Ark emphasized that the company has learned valuable lessons as an early mover in the space, recognizing that integrating EVs involves more than just purchasing trucks—it's about building a complete system. The company is investing $100 million this year alone in EV trucks and infrastructure, driven by the anticipated benefits of lower energy and maintenance costs.
WM:
WM is more cautious, focusing on small-scale pilots while evaluating the infrastructure and vehicle viability. CEO Jim Fish noted that range and weight are critical barriers, with the company targeting a 125-mile range for its EVs. WM's approach is to carefully assess and build the necessary infrastructure to support a larger rollout in the future.
Waste Connections:
Waste Connections is piloting EVs in three markets, selecting areas with less driving and more favorable conditions for electric trucks. CEO Ron Mittelstaedt highlighted that while EV technology is promising, it is not yet ready for widespread adoption in all contexts. The company is also exploring hydrogen fuel cells and hybrids, anticipating that a significant portion of its fleet could transition to these technologies within the next 15 years.
The future of waste fleet technology is dynamic and evolving. As regulatory pressures increase and technology advances, waste management companies must stay agile and open to new solutions. The investments and experiments showcased at Waste Expo 2024 indicate a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation.
In the coming years, the industry will likely see a blend of BEVs, hydrogen fuel cells, and CNG vehicles, each serving different roles based on their strengths and limitations. The key to success will be in understanding and optimizing the "ecosystem" for each technology, from charging and fueling infrastructure to operational adjustments and maintenance.
Waste Expo 2024 has set the stage for a transformative decade in waste fleet management. With continued collaboration, investment, and technological advancements, the industry is poised to achieve significant emissions reductions and operational efficiencies, paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
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