Wrightspeed, a range-extended electric vehicle powertrain (for heavy-duty applications) manufacturer founded by a Tesla Motors co-founder, and the Santa Rosa–based refuse, yard waste, and recycling collection + processing firm The Ratto Group have launched the “first commercial application of a range-extended electric refuse truck.”
The new range-extended electric refuse truck will deploy in Sonoma (California) and surrounding counties, with support coming from the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. The trucks, which are outfitted with a Wrightspeed range-extended powertrain dubbed “The Route,” will be provided by The Ratto Group.
The deployment is a somewhat limited one, though, at least initially — with only 15 Route-equipped trucks set to be deployed over the next 12 months.
“In a business that puts a premium on re-use, this represents the ultimate in recycling. We’re literally recycling the recycling truck,” stated Lou Ratto, Chief Operating Officer of The Ratto Group. “By integrating Wrightspeed’s powertrains into our existing commercial fleet, we’re initiating a progressive solid waste and recyclables collection strategy that will maximize the life of our vehicles, cut fuel consumption and emissions, and have a positive environmental impact on our service areas.”
The California Energy Commission has, to date, awarded Wrightspeed around $7 million in grants to develop related technologies for mass production.
For more on Wrightspeed and its range-extended technology, see our interview with Wrightspeed founder & Tesla co-founder Ian Wright.
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