North America’s first electric front-loading commercial collection vehicle

McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing has introduced North America's first fully integrated, electric front-loading commercial collection vehicle, the McNeilus Volterra ZFL, at CES 2025. The new electric refuse and recycling collection vehicle is designed to deliver an outstanding operator experience, says the company.

"The McNeilus Volterra ZFL takes commercial refuse and recycling collection to the next level, offering zero-emission operation and a purpose-built design that prioritizes driver comfort and efficiency," says Lee Dreas, vice president and general manager of McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing. "We're proud to introduce this innovation at CES 2025 and demonstrate how McNeilus and Oshkosh Corporation are leading the way in creating clean, smart, and safe solutions for essential industries."

Electrifying the future of refuse collection

The Volterra ZFL eRCV is a fully electric front loader engineered to meet the rigorous demands of commercial waste and recycling operations. The vehicle is built on the McNeilus Volterra platform which includes the Volterra ZSL side loader option already in communities across the United States. Designed collaboratively with Oshkosh Corporation and McNeilus engineers, the ZFL eRCV integrated electric powertrain eliminates exhaust emissions, controls noise pollution, and delivers reliable all-day performance on a single charge.

Key features include:

• Driver-first design: A spacious, ergonomic cab with a consistent 15-inch step height, excellent visibility, and robust operator controls to support an efficient, comfortable working environment.
• Zero-emission technology: Powered by an advanced electric drivetrain with regenerative braking, the McNeilus Volterra ZFL electric vehicle offers quiet operation and sustainable performance which can support environmental goals.
• Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS): Equipped with blind-spot monitoring, 360-degree cameras, and lane departure warning, the McNeilus Volterra ZFL eRCV can help enhance safety in high-traffic and urban environments.
• Proven Durability: Integrated with the renowned McNeilus Meridian body, the Volterra ZFL electric vehicle combines the strength and reliability customers expect with innovative electric technology.

Purpose-built for efficiency and sustainability

The McNeilus Volterra ZFL electric vehicle provides a tight turning radius and streamlined design that is optimized to navigate through confined spaces such as urban areas and commercial lots. Its overnight charging capability and regenerative braking system helps optimize battery life and efficiency, offering an ideal solution for route-based refuse and recycling collection.

In addition to driving sustainability, McNeilus' technologies focus on productivity, including:

• Quiet operation: The fully electric drivetrain helps control noise levels while in operation. Emitting less noise than traditional refuse and recycling collection vehicles allows the McNeilus Volterra ZFL eRCV to operate during the night or early morning supporting productivity and community comfort.
• Common parts and body: Leveraging the McNeilus Meridian body, the Volterra ZFL electric refuse and recycling collection vehicle utilizes common parts and maintenance providing efficiency in serviceability.
• Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS): Features such as blind-spot monitoring, 360-degree cameras and autonomous emergency braking to promote safe operations. 

Joining a host of sustainability innovations at CES 2025

As part of Oshkosh Corporation's "Neighborhood of the future, Airport of the future, and Jobsite of the future" exhibits, the McNeilus Volterra ZFL joined other transformative technologies showcasing advancements in electrification, connectivity, and automation. The exhibit explored how purpose-built electric vehicles are reshaping communities by delivering clean, quiet, and efficient solutions.