Electrifying drive

It is early in the morning in the Zurich district of Opfikon when the engine of the eEconic starts up quietly. The crew, consisting of a driver and two collectors, get in at the front and board at the rear. Today the compost bins are on the schedule. The team has a smooth stop-and-go tour ahead of them. The eEconic winds safely through residential areas and the exhibition grounds. The loudest noise you hear is the emptying of the bins.

Not only quiet but also locally emissions-free: the eEconic enables operations that can help significantly reduce environmental impact in densely populated areas. Through recuperation, the electric truck recovers valuable energy during frequent stops in urban traffic, thereby increasing efficiency and lowering operating costs.

Thanks to its high battery capacity, it can cover all waste collection routes in single-shift operation without recharging in between and is then charged after the end of the shift at the company's in-house charging points in the REMONDIS Recycling AG depot. This charging infrastructure was set up in cooperation with Siemens and Merbag, Mercedes-Benz Automobil AG (Nutzfahrzeug-Zentrum Schlieren).

Sales manager Raphael Simonelli is pleased that the waste disposal company has overcome all the initial challenges: "We were able to ensure that the charge is sufficient for the entire collection operation and that overnight charging works smoothly," says the sales manager. "The batteries have proven themselves both in summer and in winter."

Operations are running smoothly; deploying the eEconic pays off. Raphael Simonelli explains the economic advantage of electric vehicles: although they are more costly to purchase, their use proves economical in the long term due to lower repair and propulsion costs. In addition, the state promotes the electrification of fleets: in Switzerland, electrically powered trucks are completely exempt from the LSVA, the performance-related heavy vehicle charge, until 2030. For municipalities and the cantonal government, sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor alongside economic efficiency — the eEconic scores in both areas.

The decision to choose the eEconic was not surprising, because REMONDIS Recycling AG has relied for many years on the proven reliability and intuitive ease of operation of Mercedes-Benz vehicles: more than half of the 50 vehicles carry a star on their front.

The well-thought-out ergonomics of the eEconic also convinced the decision-makers at REMONDIS Recycling AG. The refuse collection vehicle with bodies from Contena-Ochsner/Stummer offers the crew a low, joint-friendly entry and plenty of space in the cab – essential advantages for frequent stops and shifts that can last up to 9 hours.

The deeply raked panoramic windscreen of the DirectVision cab also ensures that the driver of the eEconic maintains a good overview: the design of the windscreen enables direct eye contact with other road users and provides an excellent perspective on Swiss roads.

In addition, modern assistance systems such as emergency braking and lane-keeping assistants increase safety in dense urban traffic. This benefits not only the drivers but everyone in Zurich. Driver Blerim Kodzadziku puts it succinctly: "I'm very satisfied with the eEconic. It is modern, comfortable and safer for everyone."

The Swiss branch of REMONDIS Recycling AG is giving an important impetus for greater environmental awareness with the eEconic. Drivers, crew and local residents are already benefiting from its quiet, efficient operation. Making everyday urban life more pleasant and ecologically sustainable – for a present with good working conditions and on the way to an emission-free future.