Nestled between Lake Zurich and the hills of the Uetliberg, Zurich is the place in Switzerland that harmonises apparent opposites: Nature and urban life merge here, as do tradition and innovation. REMONDIS Recycling AG has opted for the all-electric eEconic from Mercedes-Benz Trucks based on this conviction.
It is early in the morning in Zurich's Opfikon district when the eEconic's engine starts quietly. The crew, consisting of a driver and two collectors, climb in at the front and out the back. The compost bins need to be emptied today. The team has a smooth stop-and-go tour ahead of them, the eEconic winds its way safely through residential neighbourhoods and the exhibition grounds. The loudest noise you can hear is the emptying of the bins.
Not only quiet, but also locally emission-free: the eEconic enables operation that can help to significantly reduce environmental pollution in densely populated areas. Thanks to recuperation, the electric lorry recovers valuable energy during frequent stops in urban traffic, which increases efficiency and reduces operating costs.
Thanks to its high battery capacity, it can cover all waste collection routes on a single shift without the need for intermediate charging; it can then be recharged at the end of the shift at REMONDIS Recycling AG's own charging points in the depot. This charging infrastructure was set up in collaboration with Siemens and Merbag, Mercedes-Benz Automobil AG (commercial vehicle centre in Schlieren).
Sales manager, Raphael Simonelli, is delighted that the waste management company was able to overcome all of the initial challenges: “We were able to ensure that there was enough charge for the entire collection operation and that overnight charging worked smoothly,” explained the sales manager. “The batteries have proved their worth in both summer and winter.”
Operation is running smoothly and the eEconic is paying off. Raphael Simonelli explains the economic advantage of electric vehicles: although they are more expensive to purchase, their use pays off in the long term due to lower repair and drive costs. The state is also promoting the electrification of fleets, as electrically powered lorries in Switzerland are completely exempt from the LSVA, the performance-related heavy goods vehicle charge, until 2030. For municipalities and the national government, sustainability is an increasingly important factor alongside cost-effectiveness - the eEconic scores highly in both areas.
The decision in favour of the eEconic came as no surprise as REMONDIS Recycling AG has been relying on the proven reliability and intuitive operation of Mercedes-Benz vehicles for many years: more than half of their 50 vehicles have a star on the front.
The decision-makers at REMONDIS Recycling AG were also impressed by the well thought-out ergonomics of the eEconic. The waste collection vehicle with the Contena-Ochsner/Stummer bodies offers the crew a low, joint-friendly entrance and plenty of space in the cab - essential advantages for frequent stops and shifts that can last up to 9 hours.
Blerim Kodzadziku, driver, REMONDIS Recycling AG
The deep panoramic windscreen of the DirectVision cab also ensures that the driver of the eEconic has a good overview: The design of the windscreen enables direct visual contact with other road users and ensures an excellent perspective of the Swiss roads.
In addition, modern assistance systems such as emergency braking and lane departure warning systems increase safety in dense city traffic. This benefits not only the drivers, but everyone travelling in Zurich. Driver Blerim Kodzadziku puts it in a nutshell: “I am very happy with the eEconic. It's modern, comfortable and safer for everyone.”
REMONDIS Recycling AG's Swiss branch is using the eEconic to promote greater environmental awareness. Drivers, crew and local residents are already benefiting from its quiet and efficient operation. Making everyday urban life more pleasant and ecologically sustainable - for a present with good working conditions and on the way to an emission-free future.
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