REMONDIS Australia has trialled a Mercedes-Benz eEconic battery-electric waste collection truck in Brisbane, testing how the technology performs in local commercial operations.
The trial marks another step in the company’s fleet decarbonisation program. With 600 waste collection trucks operating across Australia, REMONDIS sees significant potential to reduce emissions through alternative powertrains.
The next phase will involve analysing and sharing information with Mercedes-Benz and body manufacturer Superior Pak to assess the truck’s performance in Australian conditions.
Electric power meets stop-start collection
The eEconic 6×2 uses electric motors integrated into the drive axle, eliminating the need for a conventional driveshaft. Its battery-electric powertrain produces zero exhaust emissions and offers near-silent operation.
Energy recovery braking helps replenish the batteries during deceleration, making frequent stops an opportunity to recover energy during urban collection runs.
According to the release, the truck offers a range of up to 150 kilometres with compaction, supported by three battery packs providing 300kWh of usable capacity. Recharging can take as little as 2.5 hours using a 120kW charger, typically at a fleet depot.
For waste fleet operators, assessing range alongside compaction demands is particularly relevant. The Brisbane trial provides an opportunity to examine the vehicle in an application where energy requirements extend beyond driving.
Australian conditions shape the trial
While eEconic trucks have operated in Europe for several years, the Australian trial vehicle was designed and built to meet local truck mass and dimension requirements.
REMONDIS Australia Technical Executive General Manager Conor Flynn said the vehicle had been developed specifically for Australian conditions.
“Plenty of effort and cooperation has gone into delivering a bespoke model fit for Australian climates and terrain,” Flynn said.
“Amongst other things, Brisbane was chosen for the trial because of its diverse operational landscape.”
Superior Pak oversaw the body design and will participate in the next stage of information sharing and analysis.
That assessment will be important in determining how the electric truck meets the demands of local collection work and where it could fit within future fleet replacement plans.
Safety and driver access remain central
The eEconic builds on the diesel-powered Econic, which Mercedes-Benz developed as a purpose-built urban waste vehicle nearly 30 years ago.
Its safety features include an Advanced Emergency Braking System, panoramic windows, mirrors and cameras to support driver visibility around pedestrians and other road users.
A low, two-step entry also reduces the need for drivers to repeatedly climb into a high cab during collection work.
Alongside emissions reduction, these features give fleet operators additional factors to assess when considering the vehicle’s suitability for daily operations.
Building evidence for a broader transition
REMONDIS Australia CEO and Managing Director Björn Becker said fleet operations were an important part of the company’s circular economy approach.
“Given that we operate 600 waste collection trucks across Australia, there’s significant scope and appetite for us to cut emissions more broadly, be it through electric, hydrogen or hybrid technology,” Becker said.
“We’re working with multiple truck suppliers and other stakeholders to progress that journey.”
The eEconic trial follows other electric truck trials undertaken by REMONDIS in Australia, as well as the introduction of a hydrogen-powered residential collection truck to its Illawarra operations in 2023.
For fleet managers, the next milestone is the trial analysis. The release does not report measured energy consumption, charging performance or operating cost results, so the findings will be important in establishing the practical case for wider deployment.
