Stuttgart's waste fleet goes electric with Mercedes-Benz eEconic trucks

Abfallwirtschaft Stuttgart (AWS) has taken delivery of five battery-electric eEconic refuse collection vehicles from Mercedes-Benz Trucks. The new trucks are part of a ten-vehicle order that will be rolled out across Stuttgart in stages. They mark a step towards quieter and emission-free waste collection in the city. The eEconic models are designed for urban use, with a low-entry cab and enhanced visibility for municipal tasks. Each truck carries three battery packs, offering a total installed capacity of 336 kWh and around 300 kWh of usable energy. They are fitted with a FAUN Variopress rear loader and a FAUN Skylift lifting system, providing a 21-cubic-metre capacity.

AWS has also invested in a charging hub at its new depot. This includes nine overhead truck charging units and two DC fast chargers, supported by a large photovoltaic system to power operations with renewable energy. Markus Töpfer, AWS Managing Director, confirmed the eEconic trucks have performed well under Stuttgart’s demanding conditions.

Christian Wilz, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks Germany, highlighted the eEconic’s benefits for cities. The vehicles operate with no local CO2 emissions and are noticeably quieter than traditional refuse trucks. AWS currently runs about 120 refuse collection vehicles as part of its broader fleet of roughly 1,100 vehicles. The first five eEconic trucks are now in service, with more to follow. Their integration into AWS’s fleet supports cleaner and quieter waste management in Stuttgart. The depot’s charging infrastructure and solar power system further reinforce the shift towards sustainable operations.