City in Alaska Receives Electric Refuse Trucks

The municipality of Anchorage, Alaska, has taken the delivery of two Peterbilt zero emission Model 520EVs for its Department of Solid Waste Services (SWS).

Local leaders celebrated the delivery during a ribbon cutting celebration for its latest warm storage facility for critical equipment.

A Look at Anchorage's Environmental Goals

According to a news release from Peterbilt, the Model 520EV is designed for commercial and residential applications and provides the municipality and SWS with a quiet and environmentally friendly vehicle that supports the municipality’s goal, adopted in 2019, to eliminate 80% of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Among the plans for GHG reduction included in the municipality's Climate Action Strategy is the plan to add more EVs to the municipal fleet.

In 2021, Government Fleet reported that Peterbilt delivered the first production Model 220EV into the SWS fleet.

“We are pleased for the arrival of our first Model 520EV. Solid Waste Services has long anticipated this day for the 520EV application to be added to our refuse collections fleet. With like- for-like chassis, we will evaluate and analyze its performance with Internal Combustion Engines and investigate the EV’s performance in the northern climate region," SWS Acting Director Kelli Toth said. "We look forward to providing the Department of Energy comprehensive feedback on the heavy-duty EV fleets to share our knowledge with the rest of the United States for their benefit."

The Model 520EV at a Glance

According to Peterbilt's website, the Model 520EV has an estimated daily range of 80-120 miles per charge, or about 1,100 bin pickups, with a minimum charge time of three hours.

The 520EV utilizes regenerative braking, which allows frequent stops to benefit the vehicle. During each stop, the Model 520EV transfers energy into its battery packs, resulting in an extended operating range and reduced brake pad wear.

“Peterbilt offers the industry’s broadest range of electric vehicles designed to work in a variety of climates. We’re proud that both the Model 220EV and now Model 520EVs will support SWS as they work to reduce emissions and expand their electric fleet,” said Jake Montero, Peterbilt assistant general manager of sales and marketing.