WM New Zealand’s Journey to an Electric Fleet

At the heart of these operations lies one of New Zealand’s largest heavy vehicle fleets - over 950 trucks and 200 light vehicles - presenting both a challenge and an opportunity in the company’s quest for sustainability.

In 2016, WMNZ launched its Sustainability Commitment, identifying the transition to an electric fleet as a key initiative. This decision wasn’t just about reducing emissions; it was about reimagining the entire waste management cycle. The vision was compelling: collect waste, use it to generate electricity at landfill and energy parks, then power the collection fleet with that very electricity - a perfect circular solution that would redefine customer service and environmental stewardship.

The Challenge of Electrification

WMNZ’s truck fleet, consuming over 10 million litres of diesel annually, was a significant contributor to the company’s carbon footprint. The potential impact of electrification was staggering - each electric truck could save an average of 125 litres of diesel per day, with a complete fleet conversion potentially saving 100,000 litres daily. This represented not just substantial financial savings, but a massive reduction in carbon emissions on both a national and global scale.

However, the path to electrification isn’t without obstacles. Range anxiety is a major concern, especially for collection trucks that travel an average of 200km daily. But WMNZ saw an opportunity where others might see a challenge.

The stop-start nature of waste collection, with up to 1200 stops per day, proved to be an ideal use-case for electric vehicles. Each stop allows for regenerative braking, recharging the batteries - a stark contrast to the energy waste in conventional diesel vehicles.

Partnering for Progress

Finding the right conversion partner was crucial. WMNZ teamed up with Netherlands-based EMOSS, a company with a proven track record in electric vehicle conversions. This partnership led to the pilot of three converted diesel trucks in mid-2016, with the first box-body truck hitting New Zealand roads later that year.

Building on this success, WMNZ collaborated with EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) to establish an electric truck conversion workshop in Auckland. Opened in March 2018, this EV Innovation Hub has been instrumental in supporting the transition to an electric fleet, converting numerous trucks and upskilling teams in EV operation and maintenance.

Achievements and Future Outlook

Today, WMNZ operates one of the largest EV truck fleets in Australasia, with 51 fully electric heavy trucks on the road and plans to reach 55 by the end of 2024. The most recent addition includes 20 EV LEV trucks for Auckland Council’s food waste collections. Additionally, the company has integrated 93 electric vehicles into its light fleet.

This EV programme is a cornerstone of WMNZ’s ambitious goal to achieve carbon-zero operations by 2050. Beyond the quantifiable benefits of reduced diesel use and lower carbon emissions, the initiative has brought about improvements in public health through reduced particulate emissions and lower noise pollution.

WMNZ’s journey towards fleet electrification showcases how innovative thinking and commitment to sustainability can transform a traditional industry. By turning waste collection into a closed-loop, energy-efficient process, WMNZ is not just reducing its environmental impact - it’s setting a new standard for the waste management industry worldwide.