McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing Inc., together with parent company Oshkosh Corporation, provided visitors to Waste Expo 2023 a live look at North America’s first fully integrated, zero emission electric refuse collection vehicle (eRCV).
This vehicle is built from the ground up by Oshkosh Corporation, developed with technologies and design features that are protected by more than 50 patents and patent applications. These eRCV innovations are the latest in a rapidly-growing family of electric refuse technologies, which are collectively protected by more than 100 patents and patent applications.
“Bringing together Oshkosh’s experience in severe duty vehicle innovation and McNeilus expertise in refuse collection vehicle bodies, this new product platform will provide the best driver, technician and owner experience,” said Lee Dreas, vice president and general manager at McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing. “Every aspect is unified, creating a vehicle that sets new standards of excellence.”
Features and components of the Oshkosh fully integrated zero emission electric refuse collection vehicle deliver numerous benefits across multiple categories.
Driver-first design
The ergonomically designed pass-through cab incorporates a series of features and components to optimize comfort and safety including a Direct Vision Standard 5-star rating for visibility, as well as a 360 degree camera and radar system to provide enhanced visibility. Easy, consistent operation is delivered in part through Oshkosh’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which are offered as standard equipment and provide complete vehicle coverage. Other features include a 15 inch step height for ease of getting in and out of the cab, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel with integrated controls, an aligned driver workspace, heated and ventilated seats, integrated operator controls in the seat, automated full-length sun shade, a 15 inch touchscreen and 12 inch cluster displays for streamlined controls, enhanced storage areas, plus 38 percent more space in the cab compared to the industry average, and vibration limits below the ISO standard.
Total cost of ownership
Simplified maintenance and parts inventory, operational efficiency, strong productivity, and extended service life all help contribute to improving total cost of ownership by up to an estimated 14 percent. Other key contributing factors include connected, intelligent telematics providing condition-based and predictive maintenance, tire pressure monitoring system, regenerative braking, battery preconditioning and more.
Performance and productivity
The design of the compaction unit is based on the proven performance and design of the McNeilus® Zero Radius™ Automated Side Loader. The vehicle’s zero radius lift arm – available in 6 foot or 12 foot reach, combined with a tight vehicle turning radius of up to 67 feet (depending on configuration) allow drivers to collect refuse without leaving the cab and to maneuver around cul-de-sacs and tight corners with ease. Additionally, integrated telematics systems provide data on fleet performance, route management, battery management system status and more for optimal operation.
The Oshkosh fully integrated electric refuse collection vehicle will be produced in a new facility in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, with the compaction assemblies manufactured at the McNeilus facility in Minnesota.
As published in June 2023 issue of American Recycler.
