The city of Kingston, Ont., has purchased two Mack LR Electric refuse trucks, the first battery-electric trucks in the fleet.

The trucks are being deployed as part of the city’s strategic plan for 2023-2026, which includes environmental stewardship initiatives. The city says it’s working toward a zero-emission fleet transition plan as part of the program, and plans to be net-zero by 2040.

“Mack is excited that the City of Kingston opted to order two Mack LR Electric vehicles to help assist them in attaining their sustainability targets,” said Jonathan Randall, president of Mack Trucks North America. “Mack offers a total ecosystem of support, from grant writing and infrastructure to financing. We remain committed to helping our customers adopt this zero-emissions technology.”

“We are currently targeting reducing our GHG emissions by 30% by 2030,” added Brent Fowler, director of corporate asset management and fleet for the City of Kingston. “The LR Electric refuse vehicles are one of multiple strategies the city is leveraging to work toward the achievement of these goals.”

The Mack LR Electrics come fitted with automated side loaders (ASL), equipment the fleet is transitioning to in the coming years.

“We are excited for the opportunity to utilize the electric refuse trucks as some of our first ASL vehicles,” said Karen Santucci, director, public works and solid waste for the City of Kingston. “Increased safety for staff combined with a more environmentally friendly truck, offer benefits to both our staff and our residents.”

The city runs 14 refuse trucks, in addition to seven recyclers and two medium-duty packers. It is installing two portable 50-kW Heliox chargers purchased through Mack, and also has a 150-kW DC fast charger to support its transit buses.