Clean thing

Due to fixed routes, short distances and stop-and-go traffic, the eEconic is perfectly suited as a refuse collection vehicle in the city. Through recuperation during braking, energy is recovered to charge the battery, which further improves the range and efficiency of the Special Truck. Dr. Ralf Forcher, Head of Mercedes‑Benz Special Trucks, is certain: "The eEconic is a milestone for the sustainable design of municipal logistics."

Dirk Remmert, Managing Director of FES, also sees the cooperation as a major step on the road to the future of urban mobility: "As a municipal waste service provider we contribute to the common good of our city and its sustainable development. Especially for use as a refuse collection vehicle, we regard the eEconic as an important component of our strategy — because it can perform its tasks quietly and CO₂-neutral."

With the handover of the eEconic to FES, the final testing phase begins ahead of the start of series production, which is scheduled for summer 2022. During this period, the trained drivers put the fully electric refuse collection vehicle through its paces and work closely with the developers at Daimler Truck AG. With this valuable feedback, the eEconic will then be fine‑tuned, with any remaining potential inconsistencies resolved. After the test phase, the delivery of the eight eEconic vehicles ordered by the Frankfurt waste management company will follow.

The eEconic is tailor-made for urban traffic thanks to its quiet operation and pleasant, calm driving experience. It is especially effective in the early morning hours due to its low noise levels. The energy recovered during braking significantly increases the vehicle’s efficiency, particularly in stop-and-go traffic.

The typical day routes in waste collection, with fixed runs and the planned overnight parking of the trucks at the depot, make it possible to recharge the electric truck’s batteries gently using low-power charging. In terms of charging infrastructure, the eEconic is integrated into Daimler Truck AG’s comprehensive ecosystem, which makes adding electric trucks to customer fleets easier than any other. In terms of vehicle architecture as well, the eEconic is designed for maximum compatibility and draws on extensive experience: its powertrain is based on the Mercedes-Benz eActros, which has been in series production since October 2021.

In addition to new electric components, the eEconic builds on many of the proven advantages of the diesel-powered Econic. Its DirectVision cab with a low seating position gives the driver an optimal overview of moving traffic and direct visual contact with other road users. Fogging of the windshield is prevented by an innovative Thermocontrol coating, which guarantees a clear view at all times. Last but not least, the panoramic-glass coating reduces heating of the interior from sunlight.

In terms of functionality, the eEconic sets new standards – with an electrically powered rear loader from FAUN Umwelttechnik. The FAUN Variopress has a large capacity of 22 m³ and is universally deployable, making it a highly efficient solution for the disposal of various recyclable and waste materials. The optional smooth side panels of the rear loader are also ideal as advertising space.

The eEconic's low-floor design makes climbing through the cab easier – a particular advantage, especially when the driver has to exit on the side away from traffic. The modern and intuitive multimedia cockpit is also a significant upgrade over the conventional Econic. In addition, the eEconic comes as standard with a turning assistant and the fifth-generation emergency braking assistant Active Brake Assist.

The Daimler Truck Roadmap for CO₂-neutral trucks is ambitious: By 2039 only new vehicles that are CO₂-neutral in operation will be offered in Europe, Japan and North America. The two battery-electric models eCitaro and eActros have been in series production since 2018 and 2021, respectively. The eEconic, the FUSO eCanter and the Freightliner eCascadia will follow later this year – further locally CO₂-neutral vehicles are already in planning. In the long term, all trucks and buses from Daimler Truck AG are intended to enable CO₂-neutral logistics on the road by 2050.

Sustainable solutions are characterized by providing answers to every question from requirement to operation. That is why electromobility is more than a new type of drive. Growing cities, global climate change, rising fuel prices: together with the new eEconic, Frankfurter Entsorgungs- und Service GmbH is taking action to meet these challenges — in the form of reduced burdens, locally adapted infrastructure solutions and thus ultimately significantly lower emissions in municipal operations. A thoroughly clean solution.