Volvo CE and Mack Trucks electrify Coastal Waste & Recycling

Volvo Construction Equipment and Mack Trucks have recently delivered on- and off-road electric equipment to Florida-based Coastal Waste & Recycling. Coastal Waste & Recycling celebrated the event with representatives of the two OEMs and local officials at their facility in Pompano Beach, Florida.

Coastal Waste & Recycling is piloting a 23-ton EC230 Electric excavator from Volvo CE and took delivery of a Mack LR Electric Class 8 refuse vehicle that will operate in residential and specialized commercial applications in southern Florida. The excavator will work at a materials recovery facility (MRF).

The EC230 Electric is a medium-sized excavator designed to offer the same performance as its diesel counterpart, while the LR Electric is a heavy-duty truck with all the strength of comparable diesel-powered Mack LR refuse models.

"The shift to off-road electrification, especially in heavy construction machines, can't be accomplished by one single team or company," said Scott Young, head of region North America at Volvo Construction Equipment. "We're grateful for the chance to partner with customers and other Volvo Group companies to advance sustainability in a variety of industries."

The MRF where the Volvo EC230 Electric is being tested is north of Miami, where Coastal receives and sorts recyclable materials. The EC230 Electric is performing the same work as its equivalent diesel model the EC220EL, feeding material into a sorting line.

"Coastal Waste & Recycling has been a great partner and has always been interested in any new technology they can incorporate to drive efficiency and excellence throughout their operations," said Martin Mattsson, director of key account sales of waste and recycling at Volvo CE. "Testing this electric excavator directly against its conventional equivalent will teach us a lot."

The big difference between the electric and diesel excavators is zero emissions, but also significantly lower noise and vibration levels. Operators can feel instant torque from the electric motor instead of the slight delay with diesel.

The EC230 Electric is estimated to achieve a 60 to 70 percent reduction in energy running costs compared with the EC220. Not having an engine also greatly simplifies maintenance.

The EC230 Electric and the Mack LR Electric will be fast-charged with the same mobile Heliox 50 kW charger provided by Volvo CE.

The EC230 Electric has been in testing with other companies in North America over the past year. It's expected to be commercially available later in 2024.

Coastal Waste & Recycling took delivery of its first battery-electric refuse vehicle, the Mack LR Electric. Mack executives handed over the vehicle during an e-mobility event with the company, Volvo Construction Equipment, Nextran Truck Centers, and local officials.

The Mack LR Electric will operate in residential and certain specialized commercial applications. Mack and Coastal Waste & Recycling worked together to develop favourable routing for the LR Electric to ensure that the collection truck will complete a full day's work based on the application needs. The LR Electric is equipped with an automated side loader.

Brendon Pantano, CEO of Coastal, said he ordered the Mack LR Electric refuse vehicle because of the company's long-standing relationship with Mack and Mack's reputation in the refuse industry.

Nextran Truck Centers in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, will provide service and support for Coastal Waste & Recycling.