BACKGROUND Solid waste refuse collection bodies are traditionally powered by hydraulic systems that use a Power Take Off (PTO) to divert power from the chassis’ driveline as the body’s energy source. Energy-robbing PTOs consume energy from the chassis to power the body mechanisms (commonly referred to as parasitic load), which requires additional fuel to provide this output. The Heil RevAMP eASL is a refuse collection body that utilizes a self-contained independent battery to power an electric lift arm and auger-driven compaction system. This independent energy source eliminates the need for...

OVERVIEW This study was conducted by performing a typical residential Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) refuse collection route at a large Texas municipality in March of 2024. In addition, RevAMP demonstrations on recycling routes have yielded similar results, as reported by both haulers and Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) alike. The refuse collection vehicle (RCV) used in this study was the Heil RevAMP eASL body mounted on a Mack LR diesel chassis. Data from the route was collected through the 3rd Eye Connected Collections telemetry package, and this data was compared to the performance of a similarly...

SUSTAINABILITY IMPACTS The transportation sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly the Class 8 trucks typically used in refuse collection. According to the EPA1, each gallon of diesel fuel consumed emits 10,180 grams of CO2. Utilizing the data yielded by comparing city-reported average fuel consumption versus those observed with the Heil RevAMP unit, and based on the difference in city-reported average fuel consumption on the incumbent RCV and Heil’s observed fuel consumption on the RevAMP unit, it was demonstrated that the RevAMP eASL could be capable...

BATTERY PERFORMANCE Many potential EV refuse truck buyers may be hesitant to deploy electric vehicles into their fleet due to concerns about battery capacity, vehicle range, and the ability of the vehicle to perform at comparable levels to their existing equipment. In this case study, it was successfully demonstrated that the RevAMP 46 kWh body battery has more than sufficient capacity for a full day’s refuse collection route, with plenty of additional capacity if needed. The chart below illustrates the battery state-of-charge over the course of the day. As shown, the RevAMP collected nearly...

OTHER PERFORMANCE BENEFITS Although the focus of this case study was primarily related to savings in fuel costs and GHG emissions, it is worth noting that the RevAMP possesses numerous additional benefits that were recognized by the testing municipality. These benefits can significantly impact productivity, driver satisfaction, as well as sustainability. The following are a few of these. REDUCED NOISE AND CAB SHAKE The electric side load body also provides multiple important benefits to the vehicle operator. As RCV drivers typically spend 8-10 hours per day operating their vehicle, providing...

CONCLUSIONS The data from this route case study provides key real-world insights into the fuel savings and sustainability benefits of the RevAMP eASL body when paired with a diesel chassis. Although the sustainability benefits and fuel-cost savings documented in this case study using a diesel chassis are extremely significant, these benefits increase exponentially when the RevAMP is mounted on an EV chassis (the RevAMP can be mounted on a diesel, CNG, or EV chassis). For refuse fleet operations unable to convert to full electric, the RevAMP eASL hybrid solution provides an immediate positive...