Hoboken, New Jersey, deploys first electric waste collection vehicle

The city says the new collection truck will replace an existing diesel hauler.

people standing in front electric waste truck
From left to right: Supervising Mechanic Michael Widmer; Superintendent of Public Works James Davis; Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla; Director of Parks, Recreation & Public Works Diana Aviles; Recycling Coordinator David Calamoneri; and Administrative Assistant Stacy Cruz.

The city of Hoboken, New Jersey, has announced the arrival of its first fully electric waste collection truck, funded in part through an almost $700,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). This truck joins the city’s lineup of 30 electric or hybrid vehicles, including two shuttle buses delivered along with new waste collection truck.

The city says the new collection truck will replace an existing diesel hauler and will begin servicing Hoboken neighborhoods in the coming weeks.

In addition to lowering greenhouse gas emissions and reducing noise pollution, the electric vehicles are expected to improve overall air quality while offering a smoother, quieter experience for residents, according to the city of Hoboken.

“This is a big moment for Hoboken,” Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla says. “By putting our first electric garbage truck and HOP shuttle buses on the road, we are taking real action to reduce harmful emissions and protect our environment. These vehicles are not just cleaner; they are also much quieter than the diesel models they replace. That means less noise in our neighborhoods and a better experience for everyone who lives and works in Hoboken. I look forward to these vehicles being put into service in the weeks ahead.”

Over the next 15 years, the three electric vehicles are projected to save the city more than $1.1 million in fuel costs, while also reducing maintenance expenses associated with traditional diesel engines. Together, they will eliminate the annual consumption of more than 17,500 gallons of diesel fuel.

The city says the rollout of the electric waste truck and buses directly supports its Climate Action Plan, launched by Bhalla in January 2019, with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero energy by 2030. Phasing in electric and hybrid vehicles is one of eight priority actions identified for reducing emissions from city operations.

To date, Hoboken has transitioned 30 vehicles in its municipal fleet to electric, hybrid or plug-in hybrid models. The City's broader climate initiatives also include the expansion of its residential composting program, access to renewable energy options for homeowners and expanding public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure so that every resident is within a 5-minute walk of a public charging station.  

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