NWRA issues white paper on EV truck weights

The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) has released its white paper, “Electric Vehicle Truck Weights.”

Due to the heavier truck weights caused by electric vehicle (EV) batteries, load sizes must be decreased to compensate for existing vehicle weight limits on roads and bridges. The average waste and recycling collection vehicles weigh approximately 33,000 pounds when empty, and depending on the type of vehicle, these trucks can carry between 20,000 and 30,000 pounds of waste.

A battery for a heavy-duty electric truck can weigh up to 16,000 pounds. This can add as much as 5,000 pounds to the vehicle’s overall weight.

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“NWRA is supportive of innovations taking place in the field of EVs,” says NWRA President and CEO Darrell Smith. “However, we also recognize that the technologies for heavy-duty EVs like those in the waste and recycling industry are not yet perfected, especially with capacity issues.”

The waste and recycling industry is ideal for electrification as its vehicles run consistent, weekly routes with low daily miles, limited speeds, repetitive accelerating/braking and can fully recharge overnight when not in use. As states and localities encourage or, in some cases, move toward mandating the use of EV waste and recycling collection trucks, they also must consider these factors if they hope to maintain current levels of service and efficiency.

NWRA white papers are issued to NWRA members for use in local, state and federal advocacy efforts.

Editor's Note: In the June 13 iteration of Waste Today's newsletter, we inaccurately summarized the status of this white paper in a subject line. The incorrect subject line stated, "NWRA recommends reducing loads in EVs." NWRA does not recommend reducing loads. The organization released the white paper to address capacity challenges presented by current heavy-duty EVs.