Karlsruhe waste disposal agency deploys 18 Mercedes-Benz eEconic electric trucks – Charged EVs

Karlsruhe’s Transition to Electric Waste Collection and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

The municipal waste collection agency of Karlsruhe, Germany, Team Sauberes Karlsruhe (TSK), has advanced its commitment to urban sustainability by integrating seven new Mercedes-Benz eEconic electric waste collection vehicles into its operational fleet. This initiative directly supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting cleaner energy, sustainable urban environments, and climate action.

Project Implementation and Technical Specifications

Pilot Program and Feedback

Prior to the fleet expansion, TSK conducted a comprehensive one-year trial with a test vehicle to assess the viability of electric drive systems in daily waste collection operations. Feedback from TSK employees was instrumental in the decision-making process, with key positive observations including:

• Significant reduction in operational noise.
• A smoother, vibration-free driving experience.
• Improved working conditions for personnel at the rear of the vehicle.

Vehicle and Infrastructure Details

The newly acquired fleet consists of specialized vehicles designed for efficient and sustainable waste management.

1. Vehicle Superstructures: The rear-loading vehicles are equipped with superstructures from FAUN Umwelttechnik.
   • Five units feature the VARIOPRESS 524 HK body, allowing for flexible collection of recyclables and waste.
   • Two units are fitted with the POWERPRESS 524H body, specifically designed for bulky waste collection.
2. Battery and Range: Each e-truck is powered by three battery packs, providing a total nominal capacity of 336 kWh (291 kWh usable). This configuration yields an average operational range of 80 km, with the potential to exceed 100 km, sufficient for all designated routes in Karlsruhe to be completed in a single shift without en route charging.
3. Charging Infrastructure: TSK has established a decentralized satellite charging system. This microgrid includes two 400 kW power units that supply eight 100 kW wall-mounted charging points. An intelligent energy management system optimizes power usage, prevents grid voltage peaks, and prioritizes vehicle charging to ensure operational readiness.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The deployment of electric waste collection vehicles is a direct contribution to making cities more sustainable. By eliminating tailpipe emissions and drastically reducing noise pollution, the initiative improves the quality of life for Karlsruhe’s residents, creating a healthier and more pleasant urban environment.

SDG 13: Climate Action

This project represents a tangible step in local climate action. By replacing diesel-powered vehicles with a fully electric fleet, TSK is significantly reducing its carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions, directly addressing the urgent need to combat climate change and its impacts.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The quiet operation of the eEconic fleet promotes well-being by reducing noise-related stress for the general public. Furthermore, it enhances occupational health and safety for TSK employees by creating a quieter and vibration-free work environment.

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

The transition to electric vehicles supports the global shift towards clean energy. TSK’s plan to integrate a photovoltaic system into its charging microgrid further strengthens this commitment, aiming to power its fleet with renewable energy and increase energy self-sufficiency.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

The adoption of this advanced electric fleet and its sophisticated charging infrastructure demonstrates a commitment to building resilient, sustainable, and innovative infrastructure. It showcases a practical application of clean technology in essential municipal services.

Future Outlook and Long-Term Strategy

TSK is committed to the continued electrification of its fleet. The agency has already placed an order for eleven additional eEconic vehicles. The overarching strategic goal is to convert the entire municipal fleet to electric drive systems by 2035, solidifying Karlsruhe’s position as a leader in sustainable urban management and its dedication to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues

Detailed Explanation

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article highlights that residents are “enjoying quieter mornings,” which points to a reduction in noise pollution, a known environmental stressor that affects health and well-being. Furthermore, it mentions “more pleasant working conditions” for the employees, contributing to their occupational health.
2. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The core of the article is the adoption of electric vehicles, which represents a shift towards cleaner energy in the transport sector. The plan to add a “photovoltaic system” to the microgrid further reinforces the commitment to renewable energy.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article notes that employees provided feedback on the “pleasant driving experience without vibrations” and “more pleasant working conditions at the rear of the vehicle.” This demonstrates an improvement in the quality and safety of the work environment for waste collection staff.
4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The city is investing in modern, sustainable infrastructure by acquiring “seven new Mercedes-Benz eEconic electric waste collection vehicles” and building the necessary “decentralized satellite charging system.” This represents an upgrade of municipal infrastructure with clean and environmentally sound technology.
5. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The initiative is a direct effort to make the city of Karlsruhe more sustainable. By deploying electric trucks for waste management, the city is actively working to reduce its environmental footprint, specifically addressing urban air and noise pollution (“quieter mornings”) and improving municipal services.
6. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The vehicles are used for waste management, including the collection of “recyclables and waste materials.” An efficient and sustainable waste collection system is fundamental to achieving sustainable consumption and production patterns by enabling effective recycling.
7. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The transition from conventional fossil-fuel-powered trucks to electric vehicles is a significant climate mitigation measure. The city’s long-term plan to have its “municipal fleet… completely converted to electric drive systems” by 2035 is a concrete action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change at the local level.

Specific Targets Under Identified SDGs

Detailed Explanation

1. Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
   • The switch to electric vehicles directly reduces air pollution (from vehicle exhaust) and noise pollution (“quieter mornings”) in an urban environment, contributing to this target.
2. Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • The plan for TSK to “add a photovoltaic system to its microgrid” is a direct contribution to increasing the share of renewable energy used for its operations.
3. Target 8.8: Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers.
   • The article’s mention of employee feedback on a “pleasant driving experience without vibrations” and “more pleasant working conditions” shows a focus on improving the work environment, which aligns with this target.
4. Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.
   • The electrification of the waste collection fleet and the installation of a corresponding charging infrastructure is a clear example of retrofitting a municipal service with clean technology to make it more sustainable.
5. Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
   • This initiative directly addresses this target by improving waste management services while simultaneously reducing the associated air and noise pollution within the city of Karlsruhe.
6. Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.
   • While the article focuses on the vehicles, their specified use for collecting “recyclables and waste materials” indicates they are a crucial part of the infrastructure needed to support recycling efforts and thus reduce final waste.
7. Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
   • The city’s strategic decision that “By 2035, the municipal fleet is to be completely converted to electric drive systems” demonstrates the integration of climate action into local-level municipal planning.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

Detailed Explanation

1. Number of electric vehicles in the municipal fleet:
   • The article explicitly states that seven new electric vehicles were added and “eleven additional eEconic waste collection vehicles” have been ordered. This is a direct quantitative indicator of progress.
2. Percentage of the fleet converted to sustainable energy sources:
   • The long-term goal to have the fleet “completely converted to electric drive systems” by 2035 serves as a key performance indicator for the city’s climate and sustainability strategy.
3. Development of supporting clean energy infrastructure:
   • The installation of a “decentralized satellite charging system” with “eight wall-mounted charging points” and the future plan to add a “photovoltaic system” are measurable indicators of the infrastructure being built to support the transition.
4. Employee satisfaction and well-being reports:
   • The “detailed feedback” from employees highlighting a “pleasant driving experience” and “more pleasant working conditions” can be formalized into an indicator to measure improvements in occupational health and safety.
5. Reduction in urban noise pollution:
   • The qualitative mention of “quieter mornings” implies a reduction in noise levels, which could be measured quantitatively through decibel monitoring in residential areas along collection routes to track progress towards a healthier urban environment.

Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: chargedevs.com