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WM New Zealand Celebrates 2 Million Electric Truck Kilometres

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WM New Zealand (WMNZ), the country's largest waste, resource recovery and environmental services provider, has achieved a significant milestone in sustainable transportation, with its electric truck fleet reaching 2 million kilometres travelled. 

This achievement marks a major step in WMNZ's journey towards carbon neutrality by 2050 and showcases the viability of electric vehicles in heavy-duty applications. The company now operates one of the largest electric truck fleets in Australasia, with 54 fully electric heavy trucks currently in service and plans to reach 55 by the end of 2024. 

To celebrate this achievement, we hosted the Honourable Simeon Brown, Minister for Transport and Energy and local Pakuranga MP along with sustainability leaders, industry and local body representatives, our Board, external Sustainability Advisory Panel and key customers.   

"This milestone represents not just a number, but a tangible reduction in our carbon footprint, a significant step towards our goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, and a clear demonstration of our commitment to New Zealand's sustainable future," says Evan Maehl, Managing Director of WMNZ. 

Key Achievements: 

  • 2,000,000 electric truck kilometres travelled 
  • 1,412 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions saved 
  • 54 fully electric heavy trucks currently in operation 

The environmental impact of this is substantial. Jitesh Singh, Head of Fleet at WMNZ, says, "Our electric truck fleet has prevented 1,412 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions - a feat that puts our environmental impact into perspective. This reduction is comparable to the carbon absorbed by nearly 24,000 tree seedlings over a decade, or eliminating the emissions from a car driven for over 5.6 million kilometres." 

The journey to this achievement began in 2016 when WMNZ launched its Sustainability Commitment. Partnering with Netherlands-based EMOSS and later supported by EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority), WMNZ established an EV Innovation Hub in Auckland in 2018, facilitating truck conversions and team upskilling. 

Ashley Davenport, Senior Project Engineer – Electric Vehicles at WMNZ, emphasises the collaborative effort: "Our drivers, mechanics, and engineers have embraced this technology, overcoming challenges and paving the way for sustainable transportation. We're deeply grateful to EECA for their support, which has been crucial in making this journey possible." 

Richard Briggs, EECA Group Manager – Delivery and Partnerships, says EECA is proud to have supported WM New Zealand on its electrification journey. 

“The electric truck conversion facilities were one of the earlier projects EECA administered co-funding for. These not only allowed WM to build its own fully electric fleet, demonstrating what is possible for the sector and inspiring others to follow suit, but has supported businesses in other sectors to make the switch to electric, too.”  

Beyond carbon reduction, the electric fleet contributes to improved public health through reduced particulate emissions and lower noise pollution. It also aligns with WMNZ's vision of creating a circular solution in waste management, where waste is used to generate electricity that then powers the collection fleet. 

This milestone, while significant, is just one step in WMNZ’s ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impact and contribute to New Zealand's sustainable future. WMNZ looks forward to continuing this work and collaborating with partners across the industry to drive positive change. 

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