Oshkosh unveils new battery-electric refuse truck

Oshkosh battery-electric refuse collector (Photo: Business Wire)

Wisconsin-based Oshkosh Corporation has unveiled what is reported to be North America’s first battery-electric refuse vehicle.

According to the company, traditional refuse vehicles feature a collection body mounted on a third-party chassis. Unlike these models, the ‘integrated’ Oshkosh collector has been designed from the ground up to combine the chassis and body.

“Entry into new product categories is a crucial element of our ‘Innovate. Serve. Advance.’ growth strategy,” said John Pfeifer, president and CEO of Oshkosh Corporation. “With a deep heritage in the design and manufacture of purpose-built, heavy-duty trucks, coupled with field-proven refuse body technology, Oshkosh is uniquely positioned to develop this integrated vehicle. Our vast innovation capabilities are evident in every aspect of this first-of-its-kind product.”

The refuse collector features a li-ion battery pack and electric axle system. The battery pack is said to have sufficient capacity to power a full day of refuse collection with a single charge.

In addition, the electric drivetrain reduces the local environmental impact by reducing noise.

Assembly of the integrated electric refuse vehicle will be carried out at a new plant in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Prototype testing over designated routes will be done over 2023, with customer deliveries starting in 2024.