Photo: Autocar
E Acx No Background High Res 300 Dpi 62f152fa68e22

Autocar field tests all-electric cabover refuse trucks

Aug. 9, 2022
The two alpha unit E-ACX electric cabover refuse trucks are going through a strict validation testing process to ensure the trucks are built to handle the same challenges and requirements as its diesel and CNG counterparts.

Autocar has built its first two alpha units that feature a zero emissions, all-electric powertrain. The two E-ACX electric cabover refuse trucks, also known as battery-powered electric vehicles (BEVs), are going through a strict validation testing process to ensure the trucks are built to handle the same challenges and requirements as its diesel and CNG counterparts.

The E-ACX-64 alpha units are both automated side loaders that leverage Autocar’s Power of One integration, featuring a body integration process that provides parallel engineering with Autocar body partners Heil and New Way. The alpha1 unit features the Heil COMMAND SST and the alpha2 unit features the New Way SIDEWINDER 3.0.

Autocar is partnering with select customers to facilitate validation tests under real work conditions to verify performance metrics and receive operator input for both alpha units. Refuse trucks are subject to all types of climates coast to coast, cycling through thousands of stops and starts a day, in and out of landfills and transfer stations, that put even the best engineered trucks out of service. As a result, these real-world tests and validations are key to making sure the E-ACX is “ALWAYS UP.”

“We are excited to continue our role as a leader in green innovation for refuse and other vocations with the development of the E-ACX platform,” said Timothy Thornton, vice president and general manager refuse at Autocar. “Our process at Autocar is to design trucks that exceed the standards of our customers, so we are very excited to begin testing an all-electric ACX that highlights our engineers’ and technicians’ hard work, and input from customers.”

“The E-ACTT team that developed our all-electric terminal tractor gets a lot of credit for leading the BEV development and bringing this technology to severe-duty standards,” Thornton said. “The E-ACX is another step in our goal to help fleets achieve zero emissions while not compromising on performance or durability.”

Sponsored Recommendations

Going Mobile: Guide To Starting A Heavy-Duty Repair Shop

Discover if starting a heavy-duty mobile repair business is right for you. Learn the ins and outs of licensing, building, and marketing your mobile repair shop.

Career Minded

The Peterbilt Technician Institute teaches you the skills needed for a lucrative and fulfilling career, transforming students into certified diesel technicians. Maximize your ...

Proactive Fuel Risk Management Guide

Download this informative guide to explore innovative techniques to prevent fuel fraud and misuse before it happens. Understand how to save 11% or more in fuel-related costs while...

Why fleets and independent truckers use quality remanufactured cooling components.

The not-so-secret way to save time and money on truck maintenance? Remans.