Battle Motors introduces battery-electric refuse truck

Battle Motors has rolled out its California EV refuse truck, a three-axle LET2 (Low Entry Tilt 2), featuring a Heil Rapid Rail automated side loader refuse collection vehicle (RCV) for municipal fleets.

 With an 8.67 ton payload capacity, the company said the truck represents an innovative leap forward in waste management, distinguishing itself from conventional CNG (compressed natural gas) alternatives with zero emissions and life cycle cost-effectiveness.

Battle Motors latest EV truck uses a Heil refuse body. (Photo: Battle Motors)

 “Battle Motors is immensely proud to introduce our EV refuse truck in California,” said Michael Patterson, CEO and founder of Battle Motors. “The Battle Motors’ LET2 EV truck incorporating Heil Rapid Rail ASL technology is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainable transportation solutions and our determination to contribute significantly to California’s carbon reduction objectives. Battle Motors is taking the lead in transforming waste management and driving towards a cleaner, greener future in our state and beyond.”

 The comapny said the heavy-duty truck’s feature set translates into large-scale, measurable improvements, especially when considering an entire fleet. For example, the expanded payload capacity reduces waste collection trips on a three-axle configuration, reducing road congestion and minimizing transportation-related carbon emissions. The truck’s electric motor ensures near-silent operation, curbing noise pollution during waste collection activities. 

The heart of the truck is Battle Motors’ in-cab technologies, including a digital dash running everything from proprietary RevolutionOS to MobilEye vision-based safety systems. About the Heil Rapid Rail system, Battle Motors said its functionality includes a lengthy reach, swift cycle times, a continuous packing system, and a structurally efficient design, all of which contribute to unparalleled productivity and efficiency for fleets of all sizes.

 “In collaboration with Battle Motors, Heil’s proven Rapid Rail body, one of the lightest, most efficient automated side loaders in the domestic market, not only addresses the weight challenges posed by electric chassis but also allows for a three-axle configuration, further maximizing overall load capacity,” commented Pat Carroll, President of Environmental Solutions Group (ESG), parent company of Heil. “Combined with a reduced battery consumption rate versus traditional sideload bodies, we’re clearly demonstrating our dedication to making compliance with California’s SB 1383 a seamless proposition for our fleets as we help shape a more efficient, sustainable future.”

 Charging convenience is another advantage of the LET2 EV truck, said Battle Motors. Through a partnership with PositivEnergy, a turn-key charging solution of Level 2 and 3 chargers is available for customers. Ideal for the refuse segment, the OEM said a driver can arrive in the morning, do their route and the vehicle charges overnight in the yard so when they return the next morning, the truck is good to go.

The LET2 EV is now available in Southern California through Velocity Truck Centers.

 “The Battle Motors LET2 EV with the Heil Rapid Rail is poised to handle 1,000 to 1,200 refuse containers per day and between 8 to 10 hours on route collecting refuse before needing a recharge,” said Ron Creighton, Fleet and Municipal Sales representative at Velocity Truck Centers. “Playing a role in optimizing this game-changing refuse truck for the Southern California market along with partners such as Bodyworks Equipment, Inc. underscores Velocity Truck Centers’ commitment to providing electric mobility to our valued customers while also offering them a forward-looking blueprint for support and services.”