Heil electric automated sideload body helps improve collection fleet profitability
Heil Environmental recently launched the RevAMP electric automated sideload body (eASL) for refuse collection vehicles (RCV's).
The RevAMP eASL is equipped with an electric lift arm and auger-style compactor, helping to significantly reduce the energy required for refuse collection operations, the time spent at each collection stop, and the noise levels from vehicle operation in residential areas.
As the first RCV with independent onboard battery power, the RevAMP electric body has its own energy source and can be mounted on any chassis powered by electric, diesel, or CNG. When mounted on a diesel or CNG-powered chassis, the RevAMP can save up to 4,000 gallons of fuel per year, per truck by eliminating the power required from the drive unit's engine. When mounted on an electric chassis, the RevAMP's self-contained battery eliminates additional drain on the chassis power system, greatly extending the range of the vehicle. In addition, it can be integrated with the EV chassis' battery to provide backup power to the body if needed.
"By electrifying the body functions that would require diesel power from the drive unit of a typical RCV, we are able to reduce each vehicle's greenhouse gas emissions by a massive 41 metric tons per year," says Pat Carroll, president of ESG. "The RevAMP perfectly exemplifies ESG's commitment to improving the lives of our customers and their communities by delivering improved performance, significant fuel cost savings, and most importantly, providing immediate and long-term environmental and sustainability benefits."
Although the RevAMP significantly reduces costs and emissions when mounted on a diesel chassis, the maximum impact is realized when the body is paired with an electric chassis. The absence of hydraulic components during on-route operation eliminates the risk of unaesthetic and hazardous hydraulic fluid leaks. Additionally, a smaller number of components and a streamlined body construction simplifies maintenance needs over time.
The City of Ocala, Florida was the first municipality to add the new all-electric RevAMP side loader to its fleet.
"A diesel RCV typically costs us about $175 per day in fuel, whereas the RevAMP mounted on an electric chassis will only cost $30 to accomplish the same job," says John King, fleet and facilities director for the city. "After an exhaustive comparison of all the electric refuse equipment currently on the market, the performance, fuel-cost savings, and meaningful environmental benefits of the Heil RevAMP made it the clear choice for us."
A vehicle such as the new RevAMP purchased by the City of Ocala, operating five days per week, would deliver an annual fuel-cost savings of approximately $37,700 per year, per truck.
"In addition to the cost-saving features of the RevAMP electric body, it's lightweight and on-board battery dramatically extends the range of the vehicle on a single overnight charge," adds Carroll. "This translates into more homes able to be serviced per day and requires fewer trucks to accomplish the task, all critical factors which provide fleets with the lowest cost of collection."
