Republic Services and Romeo Power partner to develop electric waste trucks

Romeo Power Inc., Los Angeles, and Phoenix-based Republic Services Inc. announced on Jan. 28 that they have entered into a strategic alliance agreement to collaborate on the development of Romeo Power’s battery technology for use in Republic’s electric garbage trucks. Romeo Power’s core product offering is focused on the battery electric medium-duty short-haul and heavy-duty long-haul trucking markets.

As part of the agreement, senior leaders from each company will sit on a steering committee that will monitor and guide the alliance. According to the two parties, the companies will work closely to determine the key performance metrics of Romeo Power’s battery packs that will suit Republic’s refuse-specific needs. As part of the agreement, the two parties also have agreed to a retrofit test program in which the diesel engines and related components will be removed from two of Republic’s vehicles and replaced with electric motors and Romeo Power battery packs, with a goal of delivering the retrofitted trucks by the end of 2021.

“By combining Romeo Power’s advanced energy technology with Republic Services’ vehicles, we pave the way for responsible and sustainable commercial transportation,” Lionel Selwood, Jr. CEO of Romeo Power, says. “We look forward to working with the Republic Services team and being part of their electrification solutions.”

Tim Stuart, COO of Republic Services, who has also recently joined the board of directors of Romeo Power, says, “This strategic alliance is an exciting component of Republic’s fleet electrification strategy. We believe our partnership with Romeo Power will strengthen our leadership position within our industry in both electrification and sustainability.”