What’s Happening
Scania, a renowned truck manufacturer, has successfully introduced its first electric waste truck to Singapore’s streets. On June 14, the ALBA W&H Smart City recycling and environmental services company procured the inaugural delivery of this L-series battery-electic truck, marking the first of 15 intended for use within the city. This event represents a significant step towards sustainable waste management practices in the region.
Why It Matters
Singapore’s Government has established itself as a progressive player in the drive towards sustainable transport, offering incentives to early adopters in the electric vehicle industry, particularly within the waste collection sector. This move aligns with the country’s National Sustainability Plan, notably the Zero Waste Masterplan. Simultaneously, public tender regulations stipulate that any company wishing to participate in waste collection tenders must have a fleet that is at least 30 percent electric. This regulatory landscape, coupled with ALBA’s own sustainability goals, prompted the adoption of the electric truck solution.
Key Points
ALBA selected Scania over other manufacturers due to the latter’s unique features – a low-entry cab, a rear loader, and nine batteries with 297kW hours installed. This configuration allows for a one-to-one ‘top of the line’ substitution for ALBA’s existing diesel vehicles. Additionally, Scania’s aftermarket, workshop, and analytical capabilities were instrumental in securing the contract.
Projected savings from this shift to electric vehicles are considerable. ALBA’s current diesel fleet uses 200 litres of diesel daily, leading to 500kg of CO2 emissions per day. By electrifying 15 trucks, ALBA anticipates an annual reduction of 2,700 kg in CO2 emissions. This equates to an impressive 20 percent drop in CO2 emissions within the first year of deployment.
Bottom Line
The official handover of the first Scania electric truck to ALBA W&H Smart City is a crucial milestone for both companies and Singapore. With further deliveries slated for Q3 of 2023, Scania’s Managing Director of Southeast Asia, Heba El Tarifi, highlights the “real momentum towards transport electrification.”
The transition to electric trucks fosters significant CO2 reductions in daily waste collection services, underscoring Singapore’s commitment to sustainable practices and shedding light on the potential of electric vehicles in waste management. It’s a development that bodes well for Singapore’s sustainability vision and serves as a beacon for other cities globally.
