Republic announces deal to purchase 2,500 electric collection trucks

Republic Services Inc., Phoenix, Arizona, announced a partnership with Phoenix-based Nikola Corp. on Aug. 10 to develop and purchase 2,500 electric waste and recycling collection trucks. According to Republic, this represents “the industry's first large-scale commitment to fleet electrification.”

The zero-emissions vehicles, which will have a range of 150 miles and recharge overnight, are expected to be integrated into Republic Services' fleet beginning in 2023. The deal is expandable to 5,000 vehicles over the life of the agreement.  

"This partnership significantly accelerates Republic Services' progress in fleet innovation to drive profitable growth, reduce emissions, enhance customer loyalty and create long-term shareholder value," Republic President Jon Vander Ark says. "Our agreement with Nikola represents the industry's first large-scale commitment to fleet electrification. We expect to realize significant operating cost savings and environmental benefits from these trucks, and we are confident that our customers, communities and employees will benefit from our bold commitment."

Republic says the collaboration with Nikola represents a transformational step forward in its efforts to leverage technology and innovation to reduce emissions, increase operational efficiency and provide economical, environmentally sustainable solutions to its customers. Among the anticipated benefits of fleet electrification are instant torque, no idling, regenerative braking, up to 90 percent lower emissions on a per-mile basis, quieter operation in neighborhoods, as well as significantly lower maintenance costs.

Last year, Republic Services set a long-term sustainability goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent and was the first U.S. recycling and solid waste services provider to have its emissions reduction target approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The company says it intends to continue investing in innovation to enhance the performance, economics and environmental impact of its fleet and drive value for its stakeholders.