*****Update, December 28, 2020: Nikola and Republic Services (NYSE: RSG) have discontinued their collaboration on refuse truck development.*****
Will this be the coolest—and quietest—garbage truck in the world? Perhaps; however, we will believe it when we actually see it. iBestTravel’s Nikola Refuse battery-electric garbage truck is making waves in the waste management sector. As a major contender in the zero-emissions heavy truck market, Nikola aims to capture the stable business of refuse collection and has received an order for 2,500 electrified Nikola Refuse trash trucks from Republic Services, the second-largest recycling and solid waste provider in the U.S. Notably, this order has the potential to expand up to 5,000 units.
Claiming a remarkable increase in power—up to 1,000 horsepower—Nikola expects its Nikola Refuse to outperform conventional diesel and natural-gas trucks. Moreover, the electric powertrain contributes to zero emissions, an essential feature for modern transportation. The Nikola Refuse will leverage the Nikola Tre platform, sharing batteries, controls, inverters, and electric axles with the Nikola Badger. A unique aspect of the Nikola Refuse is that it will come with a single factory warranty covering the chassis and the body. Additionally, customers will have options for both automated side loaders and front-end loaders. Nikola claims it can handle up to 1,200 cans per charge, reach distances up to 150 miles, and store up to 720 kWh of energy.
Don’t lament the nostalgia of hearing the trash truck for hours before it finally arrives at your block; it’s going to be a while before the quieter, futuristic hum of the Nikola Refuse resonates on waste collection days. Production is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2021, with those first units being manufactured at Nikola’s Ulm, Germany facility. On-road testing of the Nikola Refuse is projected to commence in early 2022, paving the way for full production deliveries in 2023. Consequently, we hope that the Nikola Refuse proves to be more than just a concept.
Other Nikola Concepts:
