Learn about the County's first-ever electric-powered waste collection vehicle

The Miami-Dade County Department of Solid Waste Management (DSWM) recently introduced its first-ever electric-powered waste collection vehicle. The vehicle currently collects waste in the Doral area.

The electric waste collection vehicle features dual electric motors that produce 448 continuous horsepower and 4,051 lb.-ft. of peak torque from zero RPM. Four NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide) lithium-ion batteries provide power, which is recovered while driving via the vehicle’s two-stage regenerative braking system. 

The total vehicle cost is $688,619, including $39,465 for the charging system and a 60 month/250,000 service agreement for $33,000. Routine maintenance will occur yearly rather than quarterly, as is customary with vehicles powered by fossil fuels. 

At current fuel pricing levels, DSWM should see a return on investment by year five (year six if fuel prices decrease). The truck has a useful life of seven to eight years. The immediate environmental benefits include the vehicle’s zero emissions and noise reduction typically associated with diesel engines.