Oshkosh Corporation, a company known for its purpose-built vehicles and equipment, has announced the production of the first fully integrated, electric refuse collection vehicle in North America. This innovation marks a significant milestone in the refuse industry as traditional refuse vehicles require a separate mounting of a refuse collection body to a third-party chassis.
The new Oshkosh integrated refuse collector offers a single original equipment manufacturer (OEM) electric vehicle (EV) solution, eliminating the need for chassis selection and integration for buyers. The company’s deep heritage in the design and manufacture of purpose-built, heavy-duty trucks combined with field-proven refuse body technology uniquely positions Oshkosh to develop this integrated vehicle.
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Oshkosh’s latest offering features a sophisticated drivetrain that includes advanced lithium-ion batteries and a revolutionary electric-axle system. The vehicle’s design minimizes environmental impact and reduces noise in communities around the world, enabling customers to meet their sustainability initiatives. The electric refuse collector will allow for a full day’s refuse collection on a single charge with zero emissions.
John Pfeifer, the President and CEO of Oshkosh Corporation, said that the company put customer and user experiences at the center of their design. For the driver, active safety systems, performance technologies, and ergonomic features deliver best-in-class safety, comfort, and productivity. For the technician, intelligent, connected systems reduce routine service and enable condition-based maintenance.
Oshkosh’s integrated, electric refuse collection vehicle will be manufactured in several Oshkosh facilities, including a new, state-of-the-art plant in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The company will complete product prototype testing on designated routes in 2023, and customer deliveries will begin in 2024.
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Oshkosh’s entry into this new product category aligns with its commitment to advancing technology and sustainability while simultaneously meeting the unique needs of its customers. With this latest innovation, Oshkosh is paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient refuse industry, proving that electric vehicles can be purpose-built for even the toughest jobs.
